Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President, Maryam Nawaz, has labeled the recent spate of leaders exiting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as karma for previous actions. Speaking at PML-N’s religious scholars’ wing in Lahore, she noted that “The Tehreek-e-Insaf is going back to where it started from. There is a line of people exiting the party.”
Following the arrest of Chairman Imran Khan, several party leaders have quit the PTI, citing concerns over the riots that ensued. During the days-long unrest, the enraged protesters attacked military installations, including the Lahore Corps Commanders House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) entrance.
Maryam Nawaz also alleged that Imran Khan was the “mastermind” of the May 9 protests and had trained the rioters at his Zaman Park residence for the last six months. She claimed that the PTI is a “terrorist organization” and has always tried to undermine the country. She further said that people need only to check Khan’s nephew Hassaan Niazi’s pictures from that day and core member Dr. Yasmin Rashid’s alleged audio leak to see proof of PTI’s involvement.
High-profile leaders who have recently quit the PTI include Member of the National Assembly Mahmood Baqi Maulvi, Sindh Assembly members Karim Bux Gabol and Sanjay Gangwani, former provincial minister Dr. Hisham Inamullah, former federal minister Aamir Kiyani, and former climate change adviser Malik Amin Aslam.
The authorities have launched a crackdown on the party following the violent protests. In response, PTI chief, Imran Khan, has distanced the party from the attacks and called for an independent investigation.
