Ali Zaidi, the president of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh, denied reports that he had quit the party on Wednesday and denounced the attacks on military targets on May 9.
“I denounce the events of May 9. Everything that occurred on May 9 was terrorism, the former federal minister declared to reporters in Karachi as he left a hospital for treatment.
Following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir corruption case on May 9, Ali Zaidi, other top-tier party leaders, and thousands of workers were detained.
May 9 has been dubbed “Black Day” by both the army and the National Security Committee, the nation’s top security body. The top body has also endorsed the army’s decision to prosecute the vandals under the Pakistan Army Act.
The military’s top brass has also decided that under no circumstances will restraint be used against perpetrators, spoilers, or violators who attack military setups and installations.
Zaidi’s home in the port city has been designated as a sub-jail and he has been placed under house arrest after being detained in accordance with Section 4 of the Maintenance of Public Order Act.
Zaidi expressed his “hurt” when he thought back to the attacks on the martyrs’ monument, the Lahore Corps Commander House, and Radio Pakistan’s Peshawar office, adding, “We are from the Pakistan Army and the army is from us.”
The former federal minister said that while conflicts can arise within families as well, people shouldn’t use force. The Constitution guarantees the right of the people to peaceful protest, he continued.
The PTI leader continued by stating that he entered politics through the platform of his current party and that he would never leave it.
“I want to be clear: I won’t be leaving PTI today. Imran Khan will leave first, and then I will. My loyalty cannot be bought,” Zaidi continued.
Zaidi clarified his position following speculation that he might leave the party after Aamer Mehmood Kiani and Mahmood Baqi Maulvi announced their departure.
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