In the wake of a crackdown on PTI, several senior leaders of the former ruling party have resigned from their party positions. While some have chosen to part ways with the PTI, others have emphasized their intention to remain associated with the party despite stepping down. These developments come in the aftermath of the May 9 riots and subsequent arrests of party workers. The resignations highlight a growing divide within the PTI and raise questions about the impact of the recent events on the party’s popularity.
Asad Umar
Asad Umar, a close aide and head of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, has stepped down from his party office. Unlike some of his former colleagues who have completely quit the party, Umar has decided to resign from his party positions while maintaining his affiliation with the PTI. Umar refuted claims of resigning “under pressure,” contradicting PTI chairman Imran Khan’s allegations that members were being coerced into leaving. In a press conference at the National Press Club, Umar called for the release of the arrested PTI workers and emphasized the need for a transparent inquiry into the May 9 riots.
Fawad Chaudhry
Fawad Chaudhry, the senior vice president of the PTI, has also announced his departure from Imran Khan’s side via a tweet. Chaudhry, who had been in jail for two days, expressed his condemnation of the May 9 incidents and stated his decision to take a break from politics. However, he did not provide further details or clarify his future plans.
Nadia Sher
Additionally, ex-MPA Nadia Sher from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has resigned from the PTI, citing her refusal to associate with a party that allegedly attacked military installations. Sher criticized former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for making independent decisions that contributed to the current crisis. She emphasized that her decision to leave the PTI was not influenced by any external pressure.
Usman Khan Tarakai
Meanwhile, in a separate development, MNA Usman Khan Tarakai has met with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and announced his decision to join the PPP. He was previously affiliated with the PTI. Tarakai requested a public meeting in Swabi, and Bhutto-Zardari accepted it.
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Malik Saleem Akhtar Labar
In Multan, former MPA Malik Saleem Akhtar Labar has returned his party ticket and announced his departure from the PTI due to the party’s alleged involvement in violent protests following Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9. Labar claimed that he had attempted to discourage party workers from engaging in violent protests but was unsuccessful. He clarified that his decision to leave the PTI was not influenced by any external pressure.
Qasim Suri
In Quetta, the family of PTI leader Qasim Suri has distanced itself from the PTI. He condemned the May 9 violence. Hashim Khan Suri, Qasim Suri’s younger brother, declared their peaceful and patriotic stance while disassociating from the PTI. He emphasized that only his elder brother, Qasim Suri, remained associated with the PTI. He stated that Qasim Suri did not endorse violence or attacks on national institutions.
Resignations of Senior PTI Leaders
The resignations and departures of these senior PTI leaders underscore a growing rift within the party. It indicates the potential impact of the May 9 incidents on the party’s standing. The PTI, touted as the most popular party in Pakistan. It is facing the challenge of restoring unity and addressing concerns raised by its former members in order to maintain its political strength.
Ayesha Gulalai
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) former MNA Ayesha Gulalai has announced joining the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q). Ayesha Gulalai, while holding a press conference with PML-Q head Chaudhry Shujaat and Chaudhry Sarwar. “Today I am taking the discipleship of Chaudhry Shujaat,” she said. On this occasion, Chaudhry Sarwar welcomed Ayesha Gulalai in Q-League. Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said his party would move ahead by promoting politics of respect and tolerance.
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