Shafqat Mahmood, a former key figure in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), announced his exit from politics on Sunday, clarifying that his decision was not influenced by external pressure.
“34 years ago, I left a government job to pursue a political career. However, after careful consideration, I have decided to retire,” Mahmood, a former federal minister, stated in a post on X, previously known as Twitter.
Following the May 9 attacks on state installations, a significant number of politicians have either left the former ruling party or abandoned politics entirely. The party has expressed that these departures were not voluntary.
Notable figures who have left the now-struggling PTI include Fawad Chaudhry, Asad Umar, Shireen Mazari, Fayazul Hassan Chohan, Maleeka Bokhari, Ali Zaidi, and Musarrat Jamshed Cheema.
Although some former leaders have attempted to rejoin, the PTI’s current leadership, which includes many new members, has resolved not to reintegrate those who have previously left the party.
