ISLAMABAD: PTI Secretary General Asad Umar announced his resignation from party leadership positions, including Secretary General and member of core committee. On other hand Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf suffered major blow as senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry quit party and “Took break” from politics. Fawad Chaudhry announced his departure, saying “I have decided to take break from politics, therefore, I have resigned from party position and parting ways from Imran Khan”. Addressing presser, Asad said that it was not possible for him to continue after May 9 events. “What happened on May 9 was not only condemnable but point to ponder,” he added. Most dangerous thing was, he said, attacks on security installations.

“I endorse Imran Khan saying that we would have seen Pakistan destroying like Syria and Iraq, had there been no Army,” he added. He went on to say that independent investigation should be conducted into incidents, adding that innocents must be releases as soon as possible. Umar said Army was not only known as two or three generals but all soldiers, adding that members of his family sacrificed their lives for nation. “There are five stakeholders in country; judiciary, Army, PTI, PDM and people,” he added. Judiciary was divided in itself, he said, adding that it was enough to gauge how dangerous it was. “Judiciary is not able to implement its orders,” he added. He foresaw PTI making governments in federation, Punjab and KP if free and fair elections were held. “PDM will make governments elsewhere,” he added. All stakeholders were responsible for doldrums country was in, he said, adding political leadership had to sit together to solve problems of country. “It was also reiterated in Corps Commanders conference and National Security Council meeting,” he added.

Earlier, declaring Umar’s arrest under Section 3 MPO null and void, Islamabad High Court had ordered his release. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb conducted hearing of petition filed by Asad Umar, seeking protective bail. Asad Umar’s lawyer Babar Awan appeared in Islamabad High Court. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb declared Asad Umar’s arrest under MPO illegal and ordered his immediate release. Court ordered Asad Umar to submit an affidavit and asked him to delete his tweets. Court said if he violated affidavit and deviated from undertaking, he should forget his political career.

“They will not spare you until you hold press conference to denounce May 9 violence,” justice said. At this, Advocate Awan maintained that they wouldn’t hold press conference.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 25 2023

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