LAHORE: In a press conference held in Lahore, former Punjab education minister Murad Raas announced his departure from the PTI, joining the growing list of leaders leaving the party in response to the May 9th violence.
Murad Raas expressed deep condemnation for the events that took place on that day and became emotional while making the announcement alongside other leaders, including Pir Ahmad Khagga, Raja Yawar Kamal, and Chaudhry Adnan.
Blaming Khan’s advisers in Lahore, Raas attributed the party’s current predicament, marked by widespread criticism and numerous arrests of leaders and workers following the riots, to the politics of violence within the PTI. He emphasized that he and his fellow colleagues did not support such tactics.
Raas further stated that the protests on May 9th were excessive and that they did not intend to engage in a confrontation with institutions. He emphasized the need for dialogue and resolving differences through peaceful means, stating that the country belongs to all its citizens and negotiations should be conducted internally. He expressed the intention to form a group of like-minded individuals who can work towards the betterment of Pakistan.
The May 9th protests, triggered by Imran Khan’s arrest, resulted in attacks on military installations, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The government and the army strongly condemned the acts of vandalism and arson, vowing to take strict action against the perpetrators.
Read More: Awan Accused Imran of ‘using Benefactors like tissue’
Previously, Firdous Ashiq Awan, a former PTI leader, accused Imran Khan of using and discarding his benefactors, leading to internal turmoil within the party. She questioned the loyalty of those who once supported destructive actions against national institutions but now seek to distance themselves. Awan emphasized the significance of martyrdom and love for the country, stating that disrespecting martyrs harms Pakistan’s assets.
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