Abrarul Haq, Saifullah Nyazee jump ship as PTI exodus continues

Haq bursts into tears, sings a patriotic song in support of Pakistan Army during press conference

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders —Abrarul Haq and Saifullah Niazi — announced their decision on Friday to leave the party, adding their name to the long list of members who have deserted the former ruling party post-May 9.

During a press conference, Haq stated that his upbringing was rooted in both political and military households, where reciting the Quran and studying Iqbal’s "Bang-e-Dara" and "Bal-e-Jibrail" were essential. He mentioned that Rashid Minhas Shaheed and Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed were his heroes.

He emphasised the emotional connection he has with the armed forces and martyrs. "When I went to the Kaaba for Hajj, instead of praying for something else, I prayed for martyrdom. The passion to do something for Pakistan has always been with me," he added.

Haq stated that everyone condemned the May 9 incident, and his colleagues can testify that he strongly criticised the events on the same day of the riots.

Read more: In another setback, Asad Umar steps down as PTI secretary general

He explained that the purpose of entering politics was to carry out significant social work that would benefit the people. However, he added that the dream of doing social work in politics seemed unattainable now.

"Why waste more time if it doesn't contribute to serving the people effectively? Social work is so important to me that I am willing to leave politics for it."

He emphasised that every Pakistani should prioritise Pakistan above all else. "This country is full of resources, and there is much we need to do. I hereby announce my complete detachment from all forms of politics," he added.

He demanded the immediate release of innocent workers and appropriate punishment for the wrongdoers. During the press conference, Abrarul Haq also sang a patriotic song in support of the Pakistan Army.

Meanwhile, in a separate press conference, another PTI leader Senator Saifullah Nyazee also announced that he was leaving the former ruling party.

"Today, I am announcing my departure from PTI. I need to focus on my health," he said, condemning the events of May 9.

Niazi further said that Islam does not permit causing harm to public properties.

Violent protests sparked across the country on May 9 after the former premier was arrested from the premises of the federal capital’s high court.

The government later launched a massive crackdown against PTI leaders and workers, and rounded up thousands of people on charges of attacking civil and military installations.

Also read: In another major blow, Fawad Chaudhry parts ways with PTI

As the crackdown intensified, dozens of PTI leaders – including close confidants of Imran Khan – started jumping ship in what was described by the PTI chief as “forced divorces".

Several party leaders were released on court orders only to be arrested again as there appeared to be no respite in the crackdown.

Several party leaders and lawmakers — including Shireen Mazari, Aamir Kiani, Amin Aslam, Mahmood Moulvi, Aftab Siddiqui, Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, Firdous Ashiq Awan and others have announced leaving the former ruling party.

Asad Umar, one of the very close aides of Imran, relinquished his posts of the secretary general and core committee member, citing the ongoing situation. His announcement came hours after Fawad Chaudhry, another close confidant of Imran quit the PTI.

On the other hand, according to some other media reports, senior PTI leaders Dr Yasmin Rashid and Mehmoodur Rasheed have expressed their continued support for Imran Khan, reiterating their commitment to remain with the party.

"No! I am not leaving PTI," Dr Yasmin Rashid responded to journalists’ queries outside an anti-terrorism court. Rashid also expressed her support for the former prime minister. "Despite all challenges, we stand firmly with Imran Khan," she said.