LEADERS’ EXODUS FROM PTI CONTINUES AS SHIREEN MAZARI, CHOHAN ALSO JUMP SHIP

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Govt set to present budget FY24 in NA on June 9

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24 Pti Leaders Have Publicly Parted Ways With The Party

Islamabad Staff Report

THEPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf continued to suffer blow from ‘defection’ as two more senior leaders – former Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari, and Fayyazul Hasan Chohan announced quitting the party.

So far, 24 PTI leaders have now publicly parted ways with the party, a situation some political analysts are attributing to pressure from ‘external forces’, after the tragic incidents of May 9.

Speaking at a press conference, Mazari said that she will not be involved in politics in the future, while Chohan said he would continue his political struggle, but without PTI.

Joining Mazari and Chohan in parting ways with PTI is Abdul Razaq Khan Niazi, a former PTI Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) from Khanewal.

In a press conference, Niazi condemned the attacks on military installations and suggested that such actions could not have occurred without the support of the party leadership. He further claimed that the events of May 9 had brought joy to India, insinuating a connection between the PTI’s actions and India’s interests.

Additionally, PTI leader Khawaja Qutab Fareed Koreja from Liaqatpur has decided to join the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) after observing the growing strength of the party in south Punjab and the shifting political landscape.

On the other hand, in a cryptic reference to “forced divorces”, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday responded to the ongoing exodus of leaders from the party, with the total now reaching 24 since the violent arson incidents of May 9.

“We had all heard about forced marriages in Pakistan, but for PTI, a new phenomenon has emerged: forced divorces. Also wondering where have all the human rights organizations in the country disappeared,” the former prime minister said in a tweet from his official account.

In his response, Imran raised questions about the situation’s implications for human rights within the country, subtly questioning the sudden absence of human rights organszations during these developments.

The wave of resignations marks a significant period of turmoil for PTI, which was toppled from government on April 9 last year when Imran Khan was ousted from the office of premier through a vote of no-confidence.

The attacks on military monuments and buildings have prompted several PTI members to abandon the party and condemn the incidents. Some political analysts speculate that the exodus is a result of pressure from ‘external forces’. PTI Chairman Imran Khan has repeatedly claimed that party members face immense pressure to abandon the PTI.

Prominent figures who have recently left the party include former federal health minister and founding member of PTI Aamer Mahmood Kiani, Chaudhry Wajahat Hus-

g ‘FORCED DIVORCES’: IMRAN REACTS TO LEADERS’ EXODUS FROM PTI

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday was briefed about preparation of the budget for the upcoming financial year 2023-24 (FY24), which will be presented on June 9 in the National Assembly after approval by the federal cabinet.

The PM was briefed about revised estimates of revenue and expenditures and target estimates for the next year. “The economy has been on a positive trajectory toward financial stability and a decrease in deficit,” the meeting was informed.

PM Shehbaz said that all available resources should be used to reduce the financial difficulties and provide relief to the middle class. He expressed satisfaction that prices of urea are continuously decreasing as a result of timely and prudent strategy of the government.

He said that during the past two months, a current account surplus has been achieved after many years and the economy of the country is heading towards positive trajectory. He directed to take concrete steps to increase revenue and enhance tax net.

sain (brother of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PMLQ) chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain), former federal minister Malik Amin Aslam, former provincial minister Dr Hisham Inamullah Malik, PTI West Punjab President Faizullah Kamoka, and Dr Muhammad Amjad.

Departures have also been witnessed in Sindh, where Mehmood Moulvi (PTI Sindh Vice President), Aftab Saddiqui (PTI Karachi President), Syed Zulfiqar

Ali Shah, Jay Parkash, Sanjay Gangwani, and Dr Imran Shah have left the party. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Ajmal Wazir (former spokesperson for the K-P Chief Minister and adviser on information), Usman Tarakai, and Malik Jawad Hussain have departed from the PTI. Meanwhile, former provincial minister Mubeen Khilji has quit the party in Balochistan.

Qureshi, Musarrat Cheema, spouse re-arrested after release from Adiala Jail

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leaders – Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Jamshed Iqbal Cheema and his wife Musarat Jamshed Cheema were rearrested moments after they were released from Adiala Jail on Tuesday evening. As per details, PTI Shah Mahmood was released from Adiala jail but he was taken into custody right after his release. Similarly, PTI claimed that party leader Musarrat Cheema was rearrested upon her release, terming it an example of the government’s “fascism”.

“These practices must be stopped immediately, court’s decisions must be respected now,” the party said. On the other hand, Party leader Jamshed Cheema re-arrested upon release The PTI said party leader Jamshed Cheema has been re-arrested outside Adiala Jail upon his release. The party’s statement said Cheema was re-arrested by Punjab police.

Earlier in the day, Islamabad High Court issued an order for the release of Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Upon reviewing the sworn statement submitted by Qureshi’s lawyers, the honourable judges reached a decision and order for release of Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

It is pertinent to mention here that PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi was taken into custody by police