By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party formally moved on Thursday to disqualify one of its own senators, Saifullah Abro, accusing him of defection after he broke ranks to support a controversial constitutional amendment that has deepened divisions in the country’s fractured political landscape.
The reference, filed by the party’s Senate leader, Ali Zafar, invoked Article 63-A of the Constitution, which provides for the removal of lawmakers who defy party directives on key votes. It was submitted to Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, who is required by law to forward it to the chief election commissioner within two days. If he does not, the measure states that it will be considered referred automatically.
Zafar announced the action on his X account, saying Saifullah Abro “went against party line by voting in favour of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, for which a reference for his disqualification has been filed”. The amendment, passed in November, has been criticised by opposition groups as consolidating military influence over civilian institutions, though its supporters argue it strengthens national security. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, led by the imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan, had vehemently opposed it, viewing it as part of a broader effort to undermine democratic processes.
According to the reference, dated Jan. 1, a party meeting before the vote explicitly instructed all senators in writing to oppose the measure. “The record confirms that this direction was properly conveyed to him and that he was fully aware of it,” the document stated. It added that the instructions were also widely reported in the media. Yet Abro voted in favor on Nov. 10, when the Senate first considered the bill, and again on Nov. 13 after revisions. The reference described this as a “deliberate and wilful breach of party discipline” and a “clear, unanimous and duly communicated direction” from the party. A show-cause notice was sent to Abro on Dec. 2, delivered to his addresses in Larkana and Islamabad, giving him a chance to explain his actions. No response was received, the reference said. “Senator Saifullah Abro is, therefore, declared to have defected from the PTI in terms of Article 63-A.”
Party officials expressed skepticism that Gilani, a member of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party, would act promptly. “We are sure that the chairman is not going to forward this reference to the Election Commission of Pakistan. So we are also filing a reference with the ECP,” PTI Senator Aon Abbas Buppi said. Under Article 63-A, the Election Commission has 30 days to confirm or reject the defection claim. If upheld, Abro would lose his seat immediately. Either side could then appeal to the Federal Constitutional Court, which must rule within 90 days.
Abro’s defection was not isolated. Another senator, Ahmed Khan of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl party, also voted for the amendment against his party’s stance on Nov. 10. That party expelled him and demanded his resignation, threatening to seek disqualification if he refused. JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza said the matter remained under review, noting concerns that pursuing it through the Senate chairman could delay action and potentially benefit rival parties like the Pakistan Peoples Party or Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. “We do not want to give undue benefit to the PPP or the PML-N this way,” he said.
In a dramatic turn during the Nov. 10 session, Mr. Abro announced his resignation on the Senate floor, saying “I have voted only for Syed Gen Asim Munir.” He praised the armed forces for their role in a May conflict with India. “During the passage of the 26th Amendment, 10 family members of mine were abducted, but my party did not come to the rescue,” he added. Gilani at that time responded that “we will make you a senator again.”
Days later, on Nov. 13, he clarified that a verbal resignation held no legal weight. “I will call him when he submits his resignation in writing. Maybe I will succeed in convincing him not to resign,” he said. No written resignation has been reported. Abro, in an interview with local television channal, dismissed the disqualification effort and accused his party of inconsistency. “Ali Zafar is not capable of leading,” he said. “Neither the party issued me any letter, nor have I received any show cause or letter.”
Mocking the party’s reliance on online communication, he added that the PTI “has become a social media party. They post everything on the internet. I haven’t received anything.” He further alleged that Khan had nominated him for chairman of the Senate standing committee on interior, but “our people” colluded with government members to block it. The day after Abro’s floor announcement, Zafar told reporters that he has “issued instructions under Article 63A. He violated them and is disqualified accordingly.” Zafar also confirmed Abro had been cut off from party channels, including the parliamentary WhatsApp group.
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