PML-N expels five lawmakers for expressing confidence in CM Buzdar's leadership

(Karachi) In a recent development, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has dismissed five lawmakers from the party, media reported on Thursday. The decision has been taken by the top party leadership after the said Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) met Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and expressed confidence in his leadership.

On September 29, a PML-N delegation comprising of MPAs Chaudhry Ashraf Ali, Muhammad Ghiyasuddin, Muhammad Faisal Khan Niazi, Mian Jaleel Ahmed Sharaqpuri and Nishat Daha called on CM Buzdar without taking their party into confidence and assured him of their support to resolve public issues.

The PML-N had earlier suspended the party membership of Chaudhry Ashraf Ali, Muhammad Ghiyasuddin, Muhammad Faisal Khan Niazi and Nishat Daha but restored it after the lawmakers submitted apology.

The decision was announced by PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal while the expulsion letters were signed by party’s Punjab chapter president Rana Sanaullah.

Addressing media persons, Iqbal said the PML-N leadership took notice and decided to expel the lawmakers from the party. He stated that action has been taken against the MPAs for breaking the party's conduct and discipline.

He added the PML-N also served show-cause notices to four parliamentarians, associated with the party, for not voting on FATF-related bills and remaining absent in the joint session of parliament which was held in September.

Those served notices include Rahila Magsi, Kulsoom Perveen, Dilawar Khan, and Shamim Afridi. The PML-N has asked the parliamentarians to explain their position as to their absence from the crucial parliament session.

This is not the first time the PML-N took action against its party members on disciplinary grounds. In March, the party had suspended membership of six Punjab Assembly lawmakers and issued show cause notices to them for violating party discipline and contravening rules by meeting Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

The members had expressed confidence in the prime minister's and the CM's leadership. The notices were issued to Azhar Abbas, Muhammad Arshad and others.