In a major blow, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has witnessed a mass exodus of leaders following the recent incidents of violence that took place on May 9 following the arrest of Imran Khan in a corruption case.
Singer-turned-politician Abrar Ul Haq and Senator Saifullah Nyazee announced their resignation from the party during separate press conferences held in Lahore and Islamabad, expressing regret over the May 9 mayhem.
These resignations come amidst a series of high-profile departures from PTI, triggered by cracking down on the party following attacks on civil and military institutions, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and the Lahore Corps Commander’s House.
Shireen Mazari, the former human rights minister, Fawad Chaudhary, Asad Umar and Fayyaz Chohan among others who quit the PTI in the current week.
Abrar Ul Haq, addressing the media in Lahore, expressed his regret for standing with PTI and emphasized his passion for serving the nation. He spoke about his respect for martyrs and highlighted his endeavors to provide free education to their children.
Haq stated that he had no greed for fame or position, indicating his disillusionment with the party.
Meanwhile, Senator Saifullah Nyazee, in a press conference held in Islamabad, announced his departure from PTI. He cited personal reasons and expressed deep grief over the May 9 incidents. Nyazee’s decision to part ways with the party further adds to the growing list of PTI leaders distancing themselves from the party in the aftermath of the recent unrest.
In another development, former Punjab education minister Murad Raas announced his resignation from PTI, condemning the violence that unfolded on May 9. Raas, accompanied by other leaders, expressed discontent with the party’s politics of violence and blamed Khan’s advisers in Lahore for the current situation. Raas stated that he and other politicians would form a group to continue working towards the progress of Pakistan.
Adding to the exodus, Firdous Ashiq Awan, a senior PTI leader and former special assistant to the Punjab chief minister, also announced her departure from the party. Condemning the violence on May 9, she claimed that it was planned at Imran Khan’s residence in Zaman Park. Awan criticized Khan’s agenda, stating that it had become detrimental to the nation. She expressed her commitment to serving humanity and working for the betterment of the country.
The series of resignations from PTI underscores the mounting challenges faced by the party, with leaders and workers being arrested across the country and intense criticism directed at the party following the recent riots. As PTI experiences this wave of departures, it will need to address the concerns and grievances raised by the departing leaders to regain stability and maintain its political standing.
