Farrukh Habib Leaves PTI After Arrest, Joins Jahangir Tareen’s IPP

Describing ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan as an “unaccountable leader,” Farrukh Habib, a prominent member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), officially announced his departure from the former ruling party and revealed his decision to align with the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), led by Jahangir Tareen.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Farrukh Habib criticized Imran Khan for his role in the May 9 riots, holding him responsible for fostering violence and manipulating the younger generation’s beliefs. He stated, “Imran Khan demonstrated a lack of responsibility. He brainwashed the youth, convincing them that institutions were working against us. He not only influenced their thinking but also turned them against our own institutions, including the military.”

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Farrukh Habib resurfaced following his arrest in Gwadar, along with his four brothers, last month. PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan had reported the abduction on social media, condemning the concerning trend of PTI leaders being abducted and coerced into making statements about leaving PTI and Imran Khan.

Habib’s departure from PTI adds to the growing list of party leaders who have left the organization in the wake of the May 9 riots, a day that was labeled a “black day” by the former PML-N-led coalition government and the military establishment.

During the press conference, Habib pointed out that while protests had taken place in front of military institutions in the past, they had never turned violent. He accused Imran Khan of pushing people to the point where they were willing to confront their own military and stated that Imran Khan had a responsibility to act more responsibly but instead promoted violence.

Habib regarded May 9 as a somber chapter in Pakistan’s history and clarified that he did not participate in any protests on that day, despite a protest occurring in his own constituency in Faisalabad.

He highlighted that Imran Khan had been in power for three years before being constitutionally removed through a vote of no-confidence. Instead of seeking peaceful solutions, the former PM resorted to violence. Expressing remorse over the events of May 9, Habib declared his departure from PTI and confirmed his meeting with IPP leader Jahangir Tareen before joining the new party.

While not disclosing specific details about his whereabouts during his disappearance, Habib mentioned that he had not been at his residence for the past five months and had lost contact with his family in recent weeks.

Regarding the issue of the “cypher,” Farrukh Habib criticized Imran for using it for political gain without fully considering the potential consequences, stating that such confrontations should be avoided when the country’s financial situation is precarious.