Pakistan’s main opposition party, led by former prime minister Imran Khan, is facing a significant setback as a wave of resignations has hit its ranks. Around 20 senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have stepped down, citing dissatisfaction with the lack of discipline following Imran Khan’s recent arrest.
The arrest of the former prime minister sparked widespread protests, which resulted in the detention of more PTI members and substantial damage to public and private property. The protests caused an estimated $22.3 million in damages, with significant destruction reported in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Punjab province, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Tragically, the violence during the protests has claimed at least 10 lives and injured hundreds.In response, the police have made thousands of arrests, and the Lahore branch has requested travel restrictions on 746 PTI leaders and activists through the Federal Investigation Agency. Imran Khan himself expects to be rearrested soon, as several PTI office bearers have already been detained under an outdated law, allowing for prolonged
detention without trial.
Although the judiciary has issued orders for the release of PTI supporters, some members of the party have resigned, criticizing their own colleagues and supporters for the violence. Former Information Minister and PTI vice president Fawad Chaudry announced his resignation, stating that he was distancing himself from politics and parting ways with Imran Khan.
While the resignations indicate internal discontent, it is worth noting that they have not reached the levels seen in 2017 and 2018 when the PTI experienced significant defections from the rival PML-N party. Nevertheless, political observers believe that Imran Khan still enjoys popular support, and his party is confident of future electoral success.
