The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is grappling with an existential crisis as the party experiences a wave of defections, with several leaders announcing their departure.
The exodus from the Imran Khan-led party comes at a time when some senior members have been arrested, released on court orders, and then rearrested.
The latest leaders to abandon the PTI are Maleeka Bokhari, Jamshed Cheema, and Musarrat Jamshed Cheema, according to The Express Tribune. In addition to parting ways with the party, these individuals also expressed condemnation for the riots that took place on May 9.
During these riots, various government buildings and sensitive military installations were attacked following Imran Khan’s arrest in a corruption case.
Maleeka Bokhari, who served as a member of the National Assembly (MNA) from August 2018 to January 2023 and held the position of parliamentary secretary for Law from September 2018 to April 2022, emphasized that her decision to leave the PTI was not influenced by external pressures.
Speaking at a press conference, Bokhari strongly criticized the events of May 9 and called for a transparent investigation into the attacks. She stressed the importance of bringing those responsible for the arson and vandalism of military installations to justice in accordance with the law.
In response to inquiries about her future plans after leaving the party and resigning from all party positions, Bokhari stated that she would continue her work as a lawyer to improve the justice system.
Jamshed Cheema also voiced his disapproval of the events that unfolded on May 9, deeming them “unacceptable.”
He expressed his concern that these incidents brought embarrassment to Pakistan, damaged democracy, and undermined the PTI’s democratic credentials. Cheema acknowledged the party’s responsibility for this failure, as reported by The Express Tribune.
Earlier, Senator Abdul Qadir, who was elected as an independent senator from Balochistan in 2021, announced his dissociation from the PTI. He stated his intention to serve in the Senate as an independent member instead of aligning with the PTI.
Media reports also highlighted the departure of former Punjab Assembly members from Bahawalnagar, Mumtaz Ahmad Maharvi and Asif Manzoor Mohal, adding to the growing list of those quitting the once-ruling party. (Edited).
