In the aftermath of the May 9 violence, the number of leaders departing from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has increased to six. Malik Amin Aslam, Dr Muhammad Amjad, and Dr Imran Ali Shah recently announced their decisions to part ways with the party, following the footsteps of Aamer Mehmood Kiani, Mahmood Baqi Moulvi, and Dr Sanjay Gangwani, who made similar announcements on Wednesday.
During separate press conferences at the National Press Club in Islamabad, Mr Aslam and Dr Amjad expressed their reasons for leaving the PTI. They voiced concerns about the incidents of May 9, which they believed made it impossible for them to continue their affiliation with the party. Both individuals highlighted the PTI’s perceived role in fostering division, destruction, and resentment against institutions within the country.
Mr Aslam, a former adviser to the Prime Minister on climate change, emphasized his 13-year tenure with the PTI but stated that he could no longer continue after the attacks on military installations and Jinnah House in Lahore. He expressed disappointment that Imran Khan, the PTI chief, did not immediately condemn the incidents or initiate an inquiry into the involvement of the rioting workers.
Expressing shock over the selective targeting of military and state installations by PTI workers, Mr Aslam noted that his initial motivation to join the party was to combat corruption and implement a “green agenda” to address climate change in Pakistan. He advised Imran Khan to identify and expose those responsible for such actions rather than demand a judicial inquiry. He further stressed that it was the agenda of the country’s enemies to sow discord between the army and the masses. Mr Aslam clarified that he had not yet decided to join any other political party.
Read More: Federal Cabinet Approves Trial of May 9 Protesters Under Army Act
Dr Amjad echoed similar sentiments, stating that he could not be part of a political atmosphere that was detrimental to the country. He claimed that a few individuals were influencing Mr Khan’s decision-making in an unfavorable manner, preventing him from identifying true and sincere friends.
Meanwhile, in Karachi, Dr Imran Ali Shah, a PTI lawmaker in the Sindh Assembly, expressed regret over the violent protests conducted by PTI leaders and supporters. Dr Shah held a press conference at the Karachi Press Club to announce his decision to leave the PTI. The events of May 9 had a profound impact on his political perspective, as the vandals did not spare national institutions.
Additionally, eight former PTI lawmakers from the Punjab Assembly also declared their intention to resign from the party.
These resignations within the PTI highlight the growing dissent among party members, with leaders citing disagreements, concerns about the party’s actions, and a perceived failure to address the consequences of the May 9 violence. As PTI faces these departures, it remains to be seen how the party will navigate this challenging period and address the grievances raised by its former members.
