Mandi Bahauddin, June 27, 2023: In a significant development within Pakistani politics, Nazar Muhammad Gondal, a former federal minister from Mandi Bahauddin, announced his decision to resign from the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party due to the violent protests that erupted on May 9.
In a statement, Gondal expressed strong condemnation for the May 9 violent protests, which were triggered by the arrest of the PTI chairman. He emphasized his disapproval of engaging in politics that clash with state institutions.
Gondal voiced his concern over the impact of the May 9 protests, stating that they had deeply shaken the nation. Despite the crisis, he expressed hope that the public would emerge stronger from this challenging situation.
It is noteworthy that Gondal had joined PTI on June 6, 2017, but his dissatisfaction with the party’s handling of the May 9 violence led to his decision to step away from the PTI.
The May 9 riots have caused a wave of resignations within PTI, with several party leaders, ticket holders, and former lawmakers choosing to leave in the aftermath of the violent events. Most recently, former Punjab home minister Col. (retired) Hashim Dogar and other ex-PTI lawmakers announced their departure from the party, citing the May 9 violence, which targeted military installations, including the Corps Commander House.
During interactions with the media, Gondal explained that it had become difficult for him and his associates to align with PTI’s narrative, leading them to part ways with the party. The decision reflects a growing discontent within the party regarding its response to the May 9 riots.
As political dynamics continue to evolve, Gondal’s departure from PTI adds to the challenges faced by the party, highlighting the need for introspection and strategic decision-making to regain trust and unity among its members.