Imran Khan’s Close Aide Shireen Mazari Quits Party Following Attack on Military Installations

Islamabad: In a significant setback for Imran Khan, Shireen Mazari, a former aide to the ex-Pakistan Prime Minister, has made a decision to leave the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party following the attack on the country’s military installations and government buildings on May 9.

Mazari’s departure marks the latest in a series of politicians quitting Imran Khan’s party, including Jai Parkash and Mubeen Khilji. Notable figures such as Mahmood Baqi Moulvi, Aamer Mehmood Kiani, Sanjay Sagwani, Malik Aslam Amin, Hisham Inamullah, Dr Muhammad Amjad, Dr Imran Ali Shah, Karim Gabol, Faiz Kamoka and Pir Saeedul Hassan have also chosen to resign from PTI.

Shireen Mazari’s resignation from PTI came shortly after her release from prison on the orders of a high court. Mazari, aged 72, has been a vocal critic of Pakistan’s military and the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Her arrest occurred multiple times within a span of 10 days, starting on May 12, as part of a government crackdown on PTI supporters involved in violent protests that ensued following Imran Khan’s dramatic arrest on May 9. These protests included attacks on military installations and government buildings.

Imran Khan, who faced numerous corruption cases, was arrested by the paramilitary Pakistan Rangers while at the Islamabad High Court premises, triggering unrest throughout the country. However, he was later granted bail and obtained protective bail against arrest in all cases.

During the protests, there were unprecedented incidents where demonstrators stormed the army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi and set fire to a corps commander’s residence in Lahore. Shireen Mazari had strongly condemned these violent acts.

Jai Parkash, a Hindu leader within Imran Khan’s party, had vehemently condemned the violent protests demanding Imran Khan’s release. He emphasized the importance of the army for Pakistan’s existence and the significance of Pakistan for its citizens.

As part of the government crackdown, prominent PTI leaders such as Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Omer Cheema, Ali Mohammad Khan, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, and others were taken into custody.