Sadaqat Abbasi announces to quit PTI, blames ex-PM for May 9 incidents

ISLAMABAD: Sadaq Ali Abbasi, formerly Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) South Punjab president, has made a significant announcement, declaring his departure from both the PTI and politics.

He claimed that there was no pressure on him to quit the PTI and it was his own decision as he can no longer bear this burden (May 9 riots) on his shoulders.

He attributed his decision to quit the PTI to the former prime minister, whom he held responsible for the events that transpired on May 9.

Abbasi recently returned home after a period of reported absence since his unofficial arrest on September 1 in Islamabad. He asserted that the May 9 incidents were a direct outcome of the PTI chief’s influence and manipulation of public sentiments.

In an exclusive interview with Dawn News, Abbasi elaborated on the PTI chief’s narrative, which revolved around a confrontation with the establishment. According to Abbasi, the former prime minister believed that the PTI needed to resist before pursuing reconciliation.

However, instead of leading to reconciliation, he said, the resistance led to the disintegration of the PTI, leaving no room for harmonious resolution.

Abbasi also revealed that the PTI chief expressed opposition to the appointment of Army Chief Syed Asim Munir. He further disclosed that on May 6, they were instructed to organize a rally aimed at exerting pressure on the establishment, ultimately forming a plan to disrupt Rawalpindi.

He said that after the May 9 incidents, he along with his family took refuge at a friend’s house before fleeing to Gilgit.

It should be noted that before this, the former PTI leader and former minister of state, Usman Dar, had announced his departure from politics and the PTI. He had stated that the plan for the May 9 incidents was devised in Zaman Park, with the objective of exerting pressure on the military and removing General Asim Munir from his position as army chief.