KARACHI, Pakistan – Ali Zaidi, the President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh, announced his resignation from politics and stepped down from his party positions on Saturday. Zaidi’s decision adds to the growing list of leaders leaving the party.
In a video message, Zaidi expressed his initial intention to serve Pakistan through politics and condemned the events that took place on May 9.
He praised the country’s armed forces and emphasized the need for accountability regarding the incidents that occurred on that day. Zaidi, who had been transferred to Jacobabad jail recently, stated that he had carefully considered his decision to leave politics.
“When I ultimately step away from politics, I will resign from my positions as Tehreek-e-Insaf Sindh president, core committee member, and MNA,” Zaidi announced.
Zaidi expressed his commitment to continue working for Pakistan and attracting foreign investments, as he had done prior to entering politics.
“Before entering politics, I contributed to Pakistan’s economy by bringing in foreign exchange. I intend to resume that work. Today, I bid farewell to politics,” concluded the former federal minister, concluding his video statement with a slogan in support of the army.
Zaidi, along with other prominent PTI leaders and numerous party workers, was apprehended following the events on May 9, which led to the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir corruption case.
Both the National Security Committee and the army have labeled May 9 as a “Black Day,” and the apex security body endorsed the army’s decision to try the perpetrators under the Pakistan Army Act.
The military’s high-ranking officials also resolved that restraint would no longer be exercised towards individuals who attack military installations and establishments.
Following the unrest on May 9, rumors circulated that Zaidi would be leaving PTI. However, Zaidi dispelled these rumors during a press conference on May 17, affirming his loyalty to the party and its leader, Imran Khan.
“I want to make it clear today: I will not leave PTI. I will remain until Imran Khan does. My loyalty cannot be bought,” Zaidi proclaimed at the time.
Despite his declaration of allegiance, the Sindh government promptly transferred Zaidi to Jacobabad jail and revoked his house arrest orders on the same night.
(Islamabad51-Newsdesk)
