KARACHI: Mahmood Baqi Moulvi, a senior member of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and a member of the National Assembly from the metropolis, on Tuesday announced quitting the party over “difference of opinion” and said he would also resign the NA seat.

Speaking at a news conference at the Karachi Press Club, he expressed regret over the May 9 violent protests by PTI leaders, workers and supporters and said that the events changed his mind about his political future.

“I can’t run along with this [PTI] party,” he said. “I demand the law-enforcement agencies to take action against all those [PTI] workers involved in the violent incidents of May 9.”

He said that many people within the PTI disagreed with several strategies and policies but they were afraid of speaking the truth. “Protest is everyone’s right but violent protests, and that too directed at our defence line, cannot be tolerated. I have never even imagined of going against the institutions,” he said.

Mr Moulvi was elected MNA in a by-election held last year on a seat that fell vacant after the demise of MNA Aamir Liaquat Hussain. He worked as an adviser to maritime affairs ministry during the PTI-led government.

Commenting on his press conference, general secretary of PTI’s Karachi chapter Arsalan Taj Ghumman took to social media and tweeted: “Yesterday came the news about Mahmood Moulvi’s arrest. Today came his announcement that he’s quitting the party. The simple question is who’d arrested him and who’s released him? All other things are irrelevant.”

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...