ISLAMABAD: In a significant blow to Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI), Secretary General Asad Umar has stepped down from his party position and also announced his resignation from the PTI Core Committee.
Umar’s decision comes in the aftermath of the political crisis triggered by the May 9 riots. During a press conference, he condemned the events of May 9 and underscored the significance of the army for the country, echoing the sentiments expressed by PTI Chairman Imran Khan.
In a news conference in Islamabad, Umar highlighted the gravity of the incidents on May 9, expressing his concerns over the loss of lives, injuries, and damage caused to state and private installations.
Asad Umar particularly emphasized the severity of the attacks on army installations, stating, “Perhaps the most dangerous thing was that installations associated with the army were attacked.”
Umar, who had been under arrest for 15 days and held in isolation, discussed four key aspects during his press conference. While he condemned the events that transpired on May 9, he also stressed the critical role played by a disciplined and powerful army in Pakistan’s stability, referencing Imran Khan’s views on the matter.
Asad Umar’s resignation from prominent PTI positions marks a significant setback for the party as it grapples with the aftermath of the riots and the departure of several high-profile leaders.
The political landscape in Pakistan remains uncertain as the nation seeks stability and a path forward amidst ongoing challenges.
Earlier today, Asad Umar was released from Adiala Jail following an order from the Islamabad High Court (IHC). A contingent of the Punjab Police arrived at the jail, although sources indicate that the former federal minister left in a private vehicle.
Asad Umar Released From Adiala Jail
Earlier in the day, the IHC declared Umar’s arrest under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) null and void, directing his release. The court also required the seasoned politician to provide an undertaking stating that he would not participate in violent protests.
This development comes one day after the release of PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who submitted an undertaking promising to refrain from inciting agitation and violence. However, Qureshi was rearrested shortly after his release from the Rawalpindi jail.
Asad Umar was taken into custody on May 10 from the premises of the IHC under the MPO, following the outbreak of violence during countrywide protests against the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan. Several other high-ranking PTI leaders were also detained from Islamabad within a 24-hour period following the riots.
During today’s hearing, Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb of the IHC cautioned Umar that deviating from the undertaking would require him to “forget” his political career. The court further directed the PTI leader to delete two tweets. Umar’s counsel, Babar Awan, assured the court that his client would comply with the order. In response, the justice stated that Umar would continue to face consequences until he holds a press conference denouncing the violence that occurred on May 9. Awan stated that Umar would not hold a press conference.
Subsequently, the court instructed Umar to submit an undertaking pledging not to violate Section 144, similar to the requirement imposed on Qureshi. The IHC also temporarily prohibited the police from arresting Umar in two other cases registered at the Margalla Hills and Tarnol police stations for a period of two days.
