Former aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan on Thursday announced his departure from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a day after his arrest in Islamabad.
Khan cited the events of May 9 as the reason for his decision.
In a video statement, Khan expressed his strong support for the Pakistan Army, acknowledging their significant sacrifices for the security and sovereignty of the nation.
He condemned the attacks on the memorials of martyrs, including the General Headquarters (GHQ), the corps commander’s house, and the Mianwali Air Base, emphasizing that such acts were tantamount to an attack on the state itself.
Voicing his firm disapproval of these actions, Khan urged for the punishment of those involved, stating, “As a Pakistani, I demand that such people should be punished.”
Furthermore, he revealed that during his time with the PTI, he had disagreed with and objected to policies that involved confrontation with the state and its institutions, advocating for unity instead.
Khan’s statement follows his arrest in Islamabad, linked to a case registered against him at Taxila police station related to the May 9 violence.
According to police sources, he had managed to evade arrest for over a month. On Wednesday, he was apprehended in the early hours from a residence in Islamabad, along with his son and nephew.
The arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan by the National Accountability Bureau on May 9 triggered riots throughout the country, leading to protesters attacking military installations. Subsequently, thousands of individuals involved in the attacks have been arrested, and approximately 100 PTI leaders have announced their departure from the party.
