Malik Amin Aslam quits PTI over May 9 riots

Malik Amin Aslam quits PTI over May 9 riots

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and ex-premier's former adviser Malik Amin Aslam announced to quit Imran Khan-led party saying that it has been overtaken by an "agenda" which got exposed during May 9 protests.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the former adviser to the former premier Imran Khan, said that the party had set out on a “destructive” path, adding that he did not want anything to do with it.

"May 9 incidents left me shocked [as] party workers took the law in their hands," said Aslam.

He added that wherever the rallies were held the target were military installations.

"That is why I have decided that today I am leaving PTI," Malik said, adding that there was no “pressure” on him.

Malik Amin Aslam said that the party leadership should have conducted an inquiry.

"Whoever is pushing this agenda forward is not the party’s well-wisher,” the former PM's adviser on climate said.

PTI leaders have started leaving the party after the incidents that took place across the country following the arrest of former premier Imran Khan from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on May 9.

On Wednesday, PTI's Additional General Secretary Aamer Mehmood Kiani announced to part ways with his party and politics over May 9 vandalism.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Kiani termed May 9 as a day of "national tragedy", Kiani expressed regret over the nearly three-day-long riots by the PTI workers and unrest across the country that claimed at least 10 lives and left dozens of others injured across the country.

He said he joined the party in 1996 and many of his family members belonged to the Pakistan Army.

Meanwhile, PTI's Members of Sindh Assembly (MPAs) Sanjay Gangwani and Karim Gabol also announced to quit the party in protest against attacks on military installations.

On May 16, PTI leader Mahmood Baqi Maulvi also announced to quit the party and resigned as Member of National Assembly (MNA) saying there was ‘no justification’ for going against the security forces.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, he categorically stated that he “never has” and “never will” go against the security forces.

"When I joined PTI, I was very clear that this is a peaceful party and they do not have any militant wings," Maulvi had said.