Political Upheaval: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister and 10 Others Expelled from PTI Amidst Formation of New Bloc

In a dramatic political development that underscores the deep-seated internal struggles plaguing the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), the party's Core Committee has taken decisive action, expelling Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan along with ten other influential members. The drastic move comes as a direct consequence of their alleged formation of an independent political bloc within the party, a clear violation of PTI's stringent disciplinary codes.

The expulsion orders, swiftly issued and signed by the PTI’s Central Secretariat, sent shockwaves through the political landscape, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Besides CM Khurshid, the list of those removed from party membership includes prominent figures such as Ghulam Abbas, Raja Azam Khan, Fathullah Khan, Sohail Abbas, Bashir Ahmed, Dilbar Khan, Javed Ali Manwa, Haider Khan, Haji Shah Baig, and Nazir Ahmed. This collective removal signals a significant internal purge, reflecting the PTI’s attempts to consolidate power and suppress dissent amidst ongoing challenges.

This is not the first time Khalid Khurshid Khan has faced political headwinds.

He was previously disqualified from the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly on July 4, 2023, by the GB Chief Court, after being found guilty of holding a fake law degree. His subsequent removal from the Chief Minister’s post on July 10 further complicated his political standing. The formation of this new bloc appears to be an attempt by these members, including the previously disqualified CM, to secure leadership roles and influence within the region, potentially in opposition to the central party’s directives.

The move is also indicative of the broader turmoil within the PTI, which has witnessed a series of high-profile defections and expulsions since May 9, 2023.

Party sources suggest that the central leadership, acting under directives from the party chairman, had been actively working to prevent the emergence of such dissident groups and blocs. The formation of this independent faction was reportedly seen as a direct challenge to the party’s cohesion and its unified front, especially at a time when PTI is navigating a complex and often hostile political environment.

Ghulam Abbas, another key figure among the expelled, had notably laid claim to the Chief Minister’s office following Khurshid’s disqualification, highlighting the internal power struggles at play.

The expulsion of these eleven members underscores a firm stance by the PTI to maintain its party line and enforce strict discipline, even if it means losing key regional leaders. This latest crackdown is likely to reshape the political dynamics in Gilgit-Baltistan and will undoubtedly add another layer of complexity to the already intricate political narrative surrounding the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf.