ISLAMABAD: Pervez Khattak, a senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), late on Thursday announced his resignation as the party’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chapter president.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Khattak cited the prevailing political crisis as the reason for his decision to step down from his position.
Khattak expressed difficulty in continuing his role as the KP chapter president and stated that he would consult with his friends and party colleagues before announcing his future course of action. This development comes shortly after the arrest of PTI President Parvez Elahi by anti-corruption officials in Lahore.
During the press conference, Khattak affirmed that he had carefully considered his decision to resign from the party post. He also condemned the attack on military installations that occurred on May 9.
Following the incident, which led to violent protests, the government called in the army and announced that the protesters would be tried under military laws. In the subsequent crackdown, numerous PTI workers and leaders have been arrested across the country.
Speculation arose when a spokesperson for former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser claimed that they were unable to connect with both politicians. The spokesperson mentioned that Qaiser and Khattak had gone to meet someone at an undisclosed location and had been unreachable since then.
Pervez Khattak Dismissed Rumors
However, during the press conference, Khattak dismissed rumors suggesting that both leaders would be asked to leave the party, emphasizing that his decision was made after careful consideration.
It remains unclear whether Qaiser has made any decisions about his political future. Although present at the press conference with Khattak, Qaiser left without making any statements. In recent weeks, several prominent PTI leaders, including Shireen Mazari, Fawad Chaudhry, and Aamir Mehmood Kiani, have parted ways with party chief Imran Khan, following the May 9 riots.
Khattak’s resignation from his party position follows the footsteps of his party colleague Asad Umar, who stepped down from multiple party positions, including secretary general, last week. Despite resigning from his role as KP chapter president, Khattak remains a close aide to the party chairman and is part of the negotiating committee formed to engage in talks with the incumbent government to address the ongoing political deadlock.
