Lahore: Former Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar became latest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader to quit politics in aftermath of May 9 violent riots. “First of all, I condemn May 9 incidents. Military installations which were targeted were properties of state of Pakistan and I believe we should avoid such incidents,” Buzdar told journalists during press conference here.

Buzdar, whose term as Punjab’s Chief Minister was cut short in March 2022, said he had always stood with armed forces of Pakistan and will continue to do so. “I have always committed to politics of nobility but due to current circumstances, I have decided to quit politics.” He was once considered to be close to PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

He called on all stakeholders to reach consensus and asked authorities to release all those who were innocent from jail. Khan’s party has been feeling heat of state’s might after his party workers burnt and smashed military installations, including General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, after his arrest on May 9 a day Army dubbed as “Black Day”.

Several party leaders and thousands of workers have been rounded up in connection with violent protests and Army has insisted that people involved in attacks on military installations be tried under Pakistan Army Act and Official Secrets Act.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 03 2023

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