Asad Umar, a prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, announced his resignation from politics and party membership led by Imran Khan-led party on Monday. The decision marks the end of his more than a decade-long involvement in public life.
In a statement released on X, formerly known as Twitter, Umar expressed his disagreement with PTI’s policy of confrontation against state institutions. He believes that such an approach has led to a significant collision with these institutions, which, according to him, is detrimental to the country’s interest.
Umar thanked his supporters, especially the NA-54 team and voters who elected him twice, for their unwavering support during his political journey. He emphasized his efforts to serve his constituency and extended his blessings to the Pakistani nation.
Umar’s Political Journey and Consequences of May 9 Events
Umar’s resignation follows a series of departures of senior party leaders from politics after the May 9 incidents, where PTI supporters engaged in attacks on government buildings and military installations. These events were triggered by the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in connection with a £190 million settlement case.
Umar himself was arrested along with other party leaders and workers in the nationwide crackdown following the violence. Subsequently, on May 24, he resigned as the party’s secretary general and from the PTI’s core committee, positions he had held for 17 months. He has been named in various cases related to the violence, including the cipher case under the Official Secrets Act, although he secured bail from the court.
Meanwhile, PTI chief Imran Khan and vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been indicted in the case and are currently in Adiala jail.
, has announced his resignation from politics and the party, citing disagreements with PTI's confrontational policies against state institutions. His departure follows the May 9 incidents and a series of legal challenges facing PTI leaders){kind=link}