Tally rises to 24 as PTI leaders’ exodus continues following May 9 riots

LAHORE:

The aftermath of the May 9 arson incident has led to an increasing number of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders parting ways with the party, with the total now reaching 24.

The most prominent figure to exit the party so far is former federal minister Dr Shireen Mazari, a senior leader within PTI. Mazari, who had been detained for over a week despite court orders for her release, announced her departure from both the party and politics altogether, citing family reasons.

Joining Mazari in parting ways with PTI is Abdul Razaq Khan Niazi, a former PTI Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) from Khanewal. In a press conference, Niazi condemned the attacks on military installations and suggested that such actions could not have occurred without the support of the party leadership. He further claimed that the events of May 9 had brought joy to India, insinuating a connection between the PTI's actions and India's interests.

Former Punjab information minister Fayazul Hassan Chohan, Makhdoom Iftikharul Hassan Gillani, a former MPA from Bahawalpur, and Mian Jaleel Ahmed Sharaqpuri from Sheikupura have also formally announced their departure from the party.

Also read: Shireen Mazari quits PTI and politics 'for family's sake'

Additionally, PTI leader Khawaja Qutab Fareed Koreja from Liaqatpur has decided to join the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) after observing the growing strength of the party in south Punjab and the shifting political landscape.

Reports have also surfaced suggesting that PTI leaders Jamshed Iqbal Cheema and Musarrat Jamshed Cheema, currently imprisoned, are also planning to leave the party due to the May 9 violence. Their lawyer confirmed the development, stating that after holding separate meetings with them in jail, he is confident they will quit PTI upon their release. Musarrat Cheema is an official spokesperson for the PTI and a former Punjab Assembly legislator.

The attacks on military monuments and buildings have prompted several PTI members to abandon the party and condemn the incidents. Some political analysts speculate that the exodus is a result of pressure from ‘external forces’. PTI Chairman Imran Khan has repeatedly claimed that party members face immense pressure to abandon the PTI.

Prominent figures who have recently left the party include former federal health minister and founding member of PTI Aamer Mahmood Kiani, Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain (brother of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain), former federal minister Malik Amin Aslam, former provincial minister Dr Hisham Inamullah Malik, PTI West Punjab President Faizullah Kamoka, and Dr Muhammad Amjad.

Also read: Fayyaz Chohan quits PTI over party's 'policy of violence'

Departures have also been witnessed in Sindh, where Mehmood Moulvi (PTI Sindh Vice President), Aftab Saddiqui (PTI Karachi President), Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Jay Parkash, Sanjay Gangwani, and Dr Imran Shah have left the party.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Ajmal Wazir (former spokesperson for the K-P Chief Minister and adviser on information), Usman Tarakai, and Malik Jawad Hussain have departed from the PTI. Meanwhile, former provincial minister Mubeen Khilji has quit the party in Balochistan.

The ongoing departures of PTI leaders in the wake of the May 9 riots reflect the deepening divisions within the party. As these figures seek alternative paths, the PTI faces the challenge of restoring unity and addressing the scathing criticism it is facing in the aftermath of incidents of vandalism that caused damages to public and private properties and military installations.