The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf is facing large-scale exodus in its ranks after the violent incidents of May 9 that erupted following the arrest of its chairman Imran Khan. The PTI is suffering the most in its former stronghold of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where dozens of its ex-lawmakers are “jumping the ship” and the latest was former KP minister Hisham Inamullah, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Saturday, the former PTI minister said that he could not remain part of that political organization which is showing enmity towards the country. He said he is very sad over the May 9 incidents. He said he never compromised over principles in politics.
Inamullah said that he had joined the PTI because it used to talk of justice. But, he said, he could not betray those who are defending this country.
He was of the view that the institutions which establish law and order in the country, they have rendered unprecedented sacrifices for this country.
The former PTI minister said that difference of opinion is the hallmark of democracy. He said that he has developed an ideological difference with the PTI. He termed May 9 as the blackest day of Pakistan history. He said after attacks on the GHQ and Jinnah House, it would be a disgrace if he stays in the PTI.
Over 25 PTI lawmakers from KP ready to jump ship
According to 24NewsHD, as many as 25 lawmakers of the PTI from KP are ready to leave the party.
Hundreds of village Nazims, former district members, tehsil members and ex-tehsil Nazims are ready to part ways with the PTI.
Sources said that over 11 former MNAs and 25 MPAs of the PTI have decided to leave the party. They will soon hold press conference and announce their decision in this regard.
Sources said though these members haven’t disclosed yet what party they would join. But it seems that they would make a beeline to the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam.
According to political analysts, the position of the PTI would become extremely weak after a large number of its electable leave the party.
When contacted, these members told 24News TV channel that they stand because of Pakistan and Pakistan stands because of Army.
On Wednesday, PTI Additional Secretary General Amir Kiyani condemned the violent attacks on May 9 and announced quitting politics and the party after 27 years of struggle.
On the same day, PTI ticket-holder from PP-148 Lahore, Ibad Farooq, also announced to part ways with the PTI and blamed party’s Central Punjab President Dr Yasmeen Rashid and Mian Mehmoodur Rashid for arson attack on the Corps Commander House in Lahore. He also returned party ticket and decided not to contest poll from PP-148.
On Thursday, PTI additional secretary and former advisor to Prime Minister Malik Amin Aslam also announced to quit his party after 13 years of affiliation.
Reporters Amir Shehzad and Sajid Baloch