Lahore, Islamabad – In a major blow to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), singer-turned-politician Abrar Ul Haq and Senator Saifullah Nyazee announced their resignations from the party today, expressing regret over the violent incidents that unfolded on May 9. The PTI leaders’ decision to quit comes as security forces launched a crackdown on the party following attacks on civil and military institutions, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and the Lahore Corps Commander’s House.
The riots were triggered by the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Qadir Trust graft case, a day that the army has labeled as the “Black Day.” Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Abrar Ul Haq openly expressed his remorse for standing with Imran Khan, stating, “I regret standing with Imran Khan.” Haq, who comes from a family with a political and military background, emphasized his passion to contribute to the betterment of the country and his respect for the martyrs. He declared that he has no “greed for fame or position.”
Meanwhile, Senator Saifullah Nyazee held a separate press conference in Islamabad to announce his departure from the PTI. Citing personal reasons, Nyazee expressed his deep grief over the May 9 incidents and emphasized the need to focus on his family. The resignation of these two prominent PTI leaders further weakens the party’s position in the midst of mounting criticism and a wave of arrests of party members and workers across the country.
Earlier today, former Punjab education minister Murad Raas also announced his resignation from the PTI, stating that the party’s politics of violence were unacceptable to him and his colleagues. Raas, along with several other leaders including Pir Ahmad Khagga, Raja Yawar Kamal, and Chaudhry Adnan, expressed their condemnation for the events of May 9 and pledged to form a new group dedicated to the progress of Pakistan.
Adding to the PTI’s woes, former special assistant to the Punjab chief minister, Firdous Ashiq Awan, announced her departure from the party while condemning the May 9 violence. Awan alleged that the violence was planned at Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence, further fueling the controversy surrounding the party.
The PTI’s standing has been severely affected by the recent events, with numerous party leaders and lawmakers publicly denouncing the attacks on state installations and announcing their departure from the party. The army has insisted that those involved in the attacks be tried under the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act. As the situation worsens, Asad Umar, a close aide of Imran Khan, has resigned from his posts within the party. Additionally, the federal government is reportedly considering imposing a ban on the PTI due to evidence suggesting pre-planned and coordinated attacks on public properties and military installations carried out by the party’s supporters, according to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
As the PTI faces increasing pressure, the future of the party remains uncertain, leaving a void in the political landscape of Pakistan.