Aamer Mehmood Kiani announces to quit PTI as well as politics

ISLAMABAD, May 17 (SABAH): 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 at the National Press Club, Islamabad, Aamer Mehmood Kiani 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.

Aamer Mehmood 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.

Aamer Mehmood 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.

Terming the May 9 vandalism by the PTI protesters as a day of “national tragedy”, Kiani expressed regret over the nearly three-day-long riots and unrest across the country that claimed at least 10 lives and left dozens others injured across the country.

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

He said May 9 attacks on sensitive installations were “very painful” and added that for this reason, he decided to end his 27-year-long association with the party.

“I have never made any statement against Pakistan forces. After Allah, our survival is dependent on the army as our soldiers are scarifying their lives,” he remarked

He also expressed regret over the attacks on Lahore Corps Commander House and General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi and announced stepping down from the basic membership of the party.

Meanwhile, PTI Member of Sindh Assembly (MPA) Sanjay Gangwani also announced leaving the party in protest against attacks on military installations. MPA Karim Gabol has also quit the party.

A day earlier, PTI Member of National Assembly (MNA) Mahmood Baqi Maulvi also quit the party citing the same reasons.