PTI formally files disqualification reference against Senator Abro

ISLAMABAD: In a sharp political move, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday filed a formal disqualification reference against Senator Saifullah Abro, accusing him of turning his back on the party line and voting in favour of the contentious 27th Constitutional Amendment.

The PTI’s parliamentary leader in the Senate, Ali Zafar, didn’t mince words in calling out Abro’s defection, branding his vote as a direct betrayal of the PTI’s firm stance.

The disqualification reference, shared on Zafar’s X account, alleges that Abro’s vote on November 10, 2025, for the 27th Amendment violated explicit party instructions.

PTI, which had firmly opposed the amendment, is now pushing for Abro’s ousting for what it calls a “flagrant” breach of loyalty.

“This is a clear violation of party policy, and we are taking it up with the Senate chairman as per Article 63A of the Constitution,” Zafar stated, further urging the Chief Election Commission to take action.

According to Zafar, before the vote on the contentious amendment, a PTI parliamentary party meeting was held where it was unequivocally decided – and in writing – that no PTI senator would back the amendment.

“Abro knew the directive, and the records show it was properly conveyed to him,” Zafar declared, stressing the party’s resolve in maintaining its opposition.

However, Abro brushed off the allegations, stating that PTI had never explicitly opposed the amendment. In a scathing critique of his own party, Abro remarked, “PTI is no more than a social media spectacle. They tweet and post about everything, but fail to communicate within the party itself. I have never received any letter or show-cause notice.”

Further intensifying the rift, Abro aimedat Zafar, calling the PTI parliamentary leader “incapable of leading.”

He claimed that despite Imran Khan nominating him for the chairmanship of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, his party “collaborated with members from the treasury benches” to deprive him of the post, cementing his disillusionment with the party.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026