Aamer Kiani, a former MNA, leaves PTI
Aamer Mehmood Kiani, a former federal minister and senior member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, announced his departure from the party after it engaged in acts of vandalism and targeted military installations following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Kiani, who also serves as PTI’s additional secretary, is expected to hold a press conference later today.
“I am not only leaving PTI but also retiring from politics,” stated Kiani, as conveyed by the TV channel. This decision makes him the second PTI leader to leave the party after Mahmood Baqi Maulvi.
Kiani was elected on a PTI ticket from the NA-16 constituency in 2018 and was known as a close aide of Imran Khan. He also held the position of president in PTI’s North Punjab chapter.
A day earlier, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Mahmood Baqi Maulvi, who was elected on a PTI ticket from Karachi, announced his departure from the party due to the widespread riots that occurred after the arrest of Imran Khan, the PTI chairman.
To read more; NAB summons Imran Khan on May 18 in Al-Qadir Trust case
Imran Khan was arrested on May 9 by the rangers at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) based on warrants issued by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Following his arrest, supporters of the party unleashed chaos across the country, including attacks on military installations.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Maulvi declared his resignation from the PTI. He emphasized that while political parties can change, loyalty to the army remains unwavering. He stated, “I have never gone against the army, nor will I do so in the future.”
Maulvi revealed that party workers had previously discussed the possibility of going to the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi if Khan was arrested. However, he advised against any confrontation with the army as there was no justification for it.
Maulvi clarified that he neither knew nor was associated with the individuals involved in the violent protests. He condemned their actions as indefensible, emphasizing that fighting against the army is unacceptable anywhere.
The government has resolved not to spare anyone involved in acts of vandalism and has vowed to bring all responsible individuals to justice.
On Monday, the top military leadership pledged to prosecute protesters and those aiding them under relevant laws, including the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act, in response to the attacks on military installations on May 9, which the army referred to as the “Black Day.”