ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, announced on Wednesday his willingness to engage in discussions with “anyone who is in power” after a series of high-profile party leaders departed in the wake of the May 9 riots.
Khan revealed plans to form a committee tasked with addressing two key issues: determining if his departure from politics would benefit the country and evaluating the potential advantages of holding elections in October.
Speaking to his supporters, Khan emphasized that if the committee could convince him that these conditions were met, he would step back from politics.
The PTI has witnessed a wave of departures as prominent leaders abandoned the party following the violent unrest that ensued after Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case earlier this month. The recent loss of outspoken PTI Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry and former Senior Vice President Shireen Mazari has added to the party’s setbacks.
Reports suggest that around 30 PTI leaders from all four provinces have already left, with more expected to follow suit. Additionally, numerous party workers have been imprisoned for their alleged involvement in the vandalism of military installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
Imran Khan Claims Certain Forces Exploit Arson Attack
Imran Khan vaguely pointed out that certain forces have exploited the recent arson attack on the Lahore Corps Commander House (Jinnah House) to crack down on his party, claiming that such a severe crackdown has never been witnessed before in the country’s history.
He urged those affiliated with the PTI to declare their departure from the party as the only way to mitigate the situation.
Notably, several PTI leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Maleeka Bokhari, and Musarrat Jamshed Cheema, were re-arrested shortly after being released on bail. Law enforcement agencies continue to apprehend suspects involved in the cases related to the riots.
Expressing concerns over the safety of his supporters, Khan advised them to go into hiding, emphasizing that they should avoid venturing out of their homes.
Despite the challenges faced by the nation, particularly in regard to the economy, Khan vowed to persevere and fight for the country’s survival, asserting his readiness to face any obstacles that come his way.
