Elahi vows to stand firm with Imran

Wajahat leaves PTI; returns to PML-Q

LAHORE:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Central President Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on Monday cleared the air about continuing with the former ruling party, saying that he and his son, Moonis Elahi, would stand firm with former prime minister Imran Khan.

In a video message, the PTI central president said, he did not support Imran’s narrative against the army and always tried to maintain good relations.

“It is our duty to support Imran Khan in difficult times. The army is our own institution. We have always tried to have good relations with the army, the establishment.”

On remaining with the PTI after the May 9 mayhem that forced most party leaders to leave, Elahi said, “Imran Khan has fulfilled the promises he made to us.”

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On Wajahat announcing his resignation, Elahi said, “I am not angry with Wajahat and have no regrets about his decision.”

Talking to a private news channel, Moonis Elahi said, "Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and I are very much part of the PTI and we stand by Imran Khan."

Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain, the younger brother of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, announced that he is leaving the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and returning to his former party

At a news conference, Wajahat said that he and his son, Chaudhry Hussain Elahi, opted to return to their home party after their stint with the PTI.

The former PML-Q president did not go into details on the specific reasons for his departure, but hinted that intra-family differences might have been mended.

Wajahat, who last year had backed Punjab's then-Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi when the latter had left the PML-Q for the PTI, clarified that he was never officially associated with Imran’s party.

His decision to quit the PTI came in the wake of unrest and protests following the arrest of Imran on May 9. The ensuing violence claimed at least eight lives, with many others injured. Internet services were suspended for over 72 hours across the country, and various national buildings were attacked, including the army’s General Headquarters in Rawalpinidi and the Corps Commander House (Jinnah House) in Lahore, while the Radio Pakistan building was set on fire.

Wajahat condemned these incidents, saying: "The entire Pakistan condemns the tragic incidents of May 9."

He expressed hope that his family would reunite in the future, saying that he believed his brother, Shujaat, would welcome them back to the PML-Q.