3 more leaders quit Imran Khan’s party in 24 hours and condemn May 9 violence

Islamabad:

Three Pakistani leaders of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced their resignation from the party led by Imran Khan on Thursday. With that, a huge list of leaders deserted the party after the May 9 riots, Geo News reported.

Maleeka Bokhari at a press conference in Islamabad said, “I condemn the events that unfolded on May 9. For every Pakistani, the events that unfolded on May 9 are very painful.

Announcing her “dissociation” from the party, Bokhari said she was not under duress and “no one forced me to make this decision”.

“As a lawyer, I want to play a positive role in Pakistan. I also want to spend time with my family,” she said, according to Geo News.

Bokhari quit the party hours after her release from Adiala prison, where she was sent after being arrested under section 4 of maintaining public order.

Bokhari in a presser, backed authorities’ decision to investigate the May 9 events and said those behind the violent events should be punished.

“When a red line has been crossed, action must be taken in accordance with the law,” she added.

Cheema, in a separate press conference, said he and his wife could not continue with the Khan-led party due to violence following the arrest of the PTI leader.

“I was at the corps commander’s house myself. It saddened me to see what was going on there. Those involved should be punished,” he said.

He said it is the failure of a party if its workers are violent.

“This career [..] is in our blood…it was not an easy decision to leave politics. You serve the nation in politics, but not at the expense of the armed forces…not at the expense of the people who protect the country,” Cheema added, according to Geo News.

Former Pakistani Finance Minister Asad Umar has stepped down as Secretary General of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Umar’s announcement came shortly after his release from prison in Adiala, Pakistan, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

Umar announced his decision during a press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad on Wednesday.

“It is impossible for me to lead the party under these circumstances. I am resigning as general secretary and member of the central committee of the PTI,” he said at the press conference.

(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)