GILGIT-BALTISTAN, Pakistan: In a stunning political shake-up, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has terminated the basic party membership of Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Gulbar Khan along with 11 other lawmakers over charges of defying party discipline. The move comes after the formation of a forward bloc that openly challenged PTI’s central leadership.
According to the official notification issued on September 5, the expelled members include prominent figures such as Abdul Hameed, Haji Shah Baig, Mushtaq Ahmad, Syed Amjad Ali Zaidi, Shamsul Haq Lone, Dilshad Bano, Raja Nasir Ali Khan Maqpoon, Surayya Zaman, Raja Azam Khan Amacha, and Raja Fazal Rahim. These leaders have been instructed to immediately stop using PTI’s name, flag, or emblem, with strict legal action warned in case of non-compliance.
At the same time, former GB governor Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon has been served a show-cause notice, accused of conspiring to lure PTI members into defection. He has been given two days to respond before further disciplinary measures are taken.
The rift traces back to October 2023 when Gulbar Khan secured the Chief Ministership by aligning with rival parties, including PML-N and PPP, against PTI’s nominated candidate. The defiance triggered anger in PTI’s central command, which now sees the expulsions as a necessary step to restore party discipline and authority in the region.
Political Fallout
Analysts suggest that the expulsions could destabilize the fragile governing coalition in Gilgit-Baltistan, where shifting loyalties and political maneuvering are already common. The move also highlights PTI’s deepening internal divisions, raising questions about its ability to maintain influence in the region ahead of future electoral contests.
By removing the sitting Chief Minister from its ranks, PTI has sent a powerful message that party discipline overrides regional alliances—but the decision also risks pushing disgruntled lawmakers closer to rival political camps, reshaping the political landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.