Exodus continues as Maleeka Bokhari also quits PTI

Maleeka Bokhari, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and a former lawmaker, announced her resignation on Thursday, becoming the latest member of the former ruling party to be embroiled in controversy following the May 9 riots.

Bokhari made her decision at a press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad shortly after being released from the Adiala Jail.

“Everyone might have different reasons for leaving the party. “I cannot stand by what happened [on May 9] as a patriot, which is why I am leaving PTI,” she said.

Bokhari said she made the decision after consulting with her family.

“I’ve decided to concentrate my efforts in my profession as a lawyer,” she explained.

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She stated that the tragic events of May 9 were extremely upsetting. “Whoever was involved in the incidents on May 9 will be identified.” But a line was clearly crossed.”

Bokhari, like several other leaders, announced her resignation from the PTI shortly after being released from Central Jail Adiala earlier on Thursday. According to reports, Bokhari was escorted out of Gate 5 of the prison, which sources claiming that the PTI leader left for Islamabad following her release.

Bokhari was previously arrested after being released from Adiala prison, but the Islamabad High Court later ordered her immediate release.

The development comes amid a wave of resignations from PTI leaders following the outbreak of violent protests following Imran’s arrest earlier this month.

Senator Abdul Qadir, who was elected as an independent senator from Balochistan in 2021, declared his disassociation from the party earlier on Thursday.