Former Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Yaqoob Sheikh bid farewell to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the aftermath of the events that unfolded on May 9, Aaj News reported.
In a video message from abroad, Sheikh condemned the May 9 riots “in the strongest words” and emphasised that the “army stands as our unwavering boundary.”
Sheikh Yaqoob became MNA from NA-39 Dera Ismail Khan after defeating Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in the 2018 general election.
Earlier today, former chief minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar also announced to quit politics.
In a press conference, he said, “I stand with the armed forces,” adding that his politics was peaceful.
He requested all stakeholders to work for the betterment of Pakistan regardless of their political affiliations.
He condemned the violence that followed PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9.
“The military installations which were targeted were properties of the state of Pakistan, and I believe we should avoid such incidents,” Buzdar said.
His statement comes a day after former MPA Rafaqat Gilani announced his departure from the embattled party during a press conference.
Gllani also denounced the May 9 vandalism and expressed deep sorrow over the attacks on military installations.
He asserted that he had no prior knowledge of the planned nature of the May 9 vandalism. He emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for the violence accountable and demanded no leniency.
Committing himself to politics untainted by violence, Gilani returned his PTI ticket, asserting that his political future rests in the hands of his constituency.
Earlier this week, Raja Yasir Humayun, former Punjab Minister for higher education, decided to retire from politics. In a video statement, Humayun condemned the events following the arrest of the former prime minister that transpired on May 9.
He advocated for no leniency toward the perpetrators who attacked military installations and public buildings.
On Monday, Jamil Ahmed, a former Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA), also chose to sever ties with the embattled party.
Ahmed, who served as a captain in the army for 13 years and has a son currently serving as a lieutenant, expressed deep sadness over the May 9 vandalism. He stressed the necessity of bringing the attackers of military installations to justice.
Meanwhile, leaders from Faisalabad, including Chaudhry Ali Akhtar and Ehtisham Javed, announced their departure from the PTI at a recent press conference. Former MPA Shakeel Shahid, who was also present, stated, "Today, we have decided to part ways with the PTI. Given the events of May 9, it has become increasingly difficult to remain in the party."
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