Firdous parts ways with PTI as desertions continue

Firdous Ashiq Awan became the latest senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader to announce her decision to distance herself from the party, adding her name to the long list of members who have deserted the former ruling party post-May 9. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad she cheekily said "good to see you", saying that the phrase had become the talk of the town. She told reporters that she had decided to leave the party under the pretenses that PTI chief Imran Khan's agenda had become "detrimental for the nation". "My politics centres around serving humanity," she said adding that "this was the reason I had joined the PTI". "I took on a responsibility to work for the betterment of this country," she continued. But, she regretted that "while the national security agencies were continuing their fight against terrorism, some elements were misguiding [then] premier Imran Khan." "Billons were spent from the national treasury to brainwash the youth and a conspiracy was hatched to defame the country's institutions," she added. Violent protests sparked across the country on May 9 after the former premier was arrested from the premises of the federal capital’s high court. The government later launched a massive crackdown against PTI leaders and workers, and rounded up thousands of people on charges of attacking civil and military installations. As the crackdown intensified, dozens of PTI leaders - including close confidants of Imran Khan - started jumping ship in what was described by the PTI chief as “forced divorces". Several party leaders were released on court orders only to be arrested again as there appeared to be no respite in the crackdown. Several party leaders and lawmakers — including Shireen Mazari, Aamir Kiani, Amin Aslam, Mahmood Moulvi, Aftab Siddiqui, Fayyazul Hassan Chohan and others have announced leaving the former ruling party. Asad Umar, one of the very close aides of Imran, relinquished his posts of the secretary general and core committee member, citing the ongoing situation. His announcement came hours after Fawad Chaudhry, another close confidant of Imran quit the PTI. On the other hand, according to some other media reports, senior PTI leaders Dr Yasmin Rashid and Mehmoodur Rasheed have expressed their continued support for Imran Khan, reiterating their commitment to remain with the party. "No! I am not leaving PTI," Dr Yasmin Rashid responded to journalists’ queries outside an anti-terrorism court. Rashid also expressed his support for the former prime minister. "Despite all challenges, we stand firmly with Imran Khan," she said.

source https://tribune.com.pk/story/2418742/firdous-parts-ways-with-pti-as-desertions-continue