Maleeka Ali Bokhari quits PTI after release from Adiala Jail

ISLAMABAD, May 25 (SABAH): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Maleeka Ali Bokhari on Thursday announced that she is quitting the party, becoming the latest member of the former ruling party which landed in hot waters following the violent May 9 riots.

Maleek Ali Bokhari announced her decision at a press conference at National Press Club in Islamabad shortly after she was released from detention from the Adiala Jail.

“Everyone may have their own reasons for leaving the party. As a patriot, I cannot stand with whatever happened [on May 9], that is why I am leaving PTI,” she said. Maleeka Bokhari said that she made the decision after talking to her family.

“I have decided to focus on my efforts in my profession as a lawyer,” she said. She said the tragic events of May 9 were very hurtful. “Whoever was involved in the May 9 incidents, they will be identified. But a red line was definitely crossed.”

Maleeka Bukhari said she strongly condemned “unconstitutional and illegal” attacks on military installations on May 9, adding that it was a sad day for every Pakistani. “I want to spend my time with my family and concentrate on my profession,” she added.

She went on to say that those involved in May 9 attacks should be brought to justice, adding that peace should prevail in the country. “I’m under no pressure to quit the party,” he added.

Announcing her “dissociation” from the party, Bokhari said she wasn’t under duress and “no one forced me into making this decision”. “As a lawyer, I want to play a positive role in Pakistan. I also want to spend time with my family,” she said.

While condemning the incidents, she also mentioned that “I am a mother, I have a 13-year-old son”. She said that it was not easy to remain in Adiala Jail in the hot whether of May.