ISLAMABAD , May 17, 2023: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) faced a setback on Wednesday when its senior leader and former federal minister Aamer Mehmood Kiani announced quitting the party as well as politics.
The PTI leader’s decision comes on the heels of crackdown on the party following vandalism.
Addressing the presser, he said attacks on public properties including military installations were “unfortunate, painful, and terrible,” adding that such acts spoiled youngsters. “The country is already grappling with crises, thanks to the PDM [led government],” he added.
“It is extremely disappointing that my 27-year long political career is going to end this way,” he added.
Mr Kiani went on to say that May 9 attacks were akin to attacks on the country’s integrity and security, adding that no political party succeeded in making an institution. “Institutions are created with great deliberation,” he added.
He said parties thrived on public opinion adding that they should avoid creating a bigger monster. “We cannot move ahead without the support of state institutions,” he added. Institutions extended their cooperation, he said, during natural disasters.
Mr Kiani said he could no longer be a part of such politics, adding that he would not like to be nominated in such cases in the future. “I have been nominated in Mianwali attacks,” he added. Pakistan’s survival was linked, he said, to its state institutions.
He said politics was not his cup of tea, adding that he would stand firm on his stance. “I’ll do whatever I could to add to the party’s human rights endeavours however,” he added
Upon being asked if Army was involved in politics, he said the Army had no role in politics but if someone knocked at their door, it would be tantamount to bringing them in. “We need to learn to coexist,” he added.
A day earlier, PTI’s MNA Mahmood Maulvi jumped ship in protest against what he said PTI workers’ vandalism, especially attack on military installations.