Malik Muhammad Amin Aslam Khan, Dr. Muhammad Amjad quit PTI

ISLAMABAD, May 18 (SABAH): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Malik Muhammad Amin Aslam Khan announced on Thursday that he will be leaving the Imran Khan-led party as it has been overtaken by an “agenda” which got exposed during May 9 protests.

The former adviser to then-prime minister Imran Khan made the announcement at a press conference at the National Press Club.

“May 9 incidents left me shocked [as] party workers took the law in their hands,” said Malik Amin Aslam. He added that wherever the rallies were held the target were military installations.

“Party leadership should have conducted an inquiry. Whoever is pushing this agenda forward is not the party’s well-wisher,” said the climate activist. He added that he can not stay with such an “agenda” while clarifying that he made the decision without coming under pressure.

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

The PTI leader, who had served as environment minister during the PTI government, declared that he would not be part of the party.

Malik Amin Aslam stated that an “agenda” had hijacked the party and that everyone should be held accountable for it. “After seeing everything on TV, I was stunned” he stated. “I can’t continue with this agenda anymore. People who are making this agenda have thrown this party into a deep ditch,” he said.

At the press conference, Malik Amin Aslam openly criticised the party’s recent marches and rallies. “Wherever the processions were taken out, their targets were military installations. This agenda is fulfilling the dream of the enemies” he asserted.

Malik Amin Aslam is widely known for his contributions as the head of the billion tree tsunami project. 

Meanwhile, PTI’s Deputy Secretary Information Dr. Muhammad Amjad also announced his decision to quit the party. Dr Amjad announced his resignation from the party citing the influence of corrupt individuals around Imran Khan.

Amidst recent instances of violence and terrorism on May 9, Dr Amjad expressed his disappointment and stated that if the defenders of the country were blocked off by walls, who would defend the nation? He further stated that for the sake of the PTI’s own benefit, two assemblies were sacrificed.

Dr. Amjad criticised Imran Khan’s dual statements and actions. He also pointed out that during the PTI’s tenure, a media center worth three crores was built, but no activity against the Pakistani armed forces was allowed. Dr. Amjad expressed that leaving the PTI would allow him to participate in welfare works. He also advocated for the end of political polarization in the country.

He also asserted that he could not agree with the cypher conspiracy, and called for an end to the politics of confrontation with institutions, and to expel the corrupt.

The resignations come a day after MNA Aamer Mehmood Kiani and Sindh lawmakers Sanjay Gangwani and Karim Gabol announced their decision to leave the party as well.