Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi Quits PTI and Politics

Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi, Former Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly announced his decision to resign from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and retire from politics on Thursday. The seasoned politician, known for his contributions to public service, expressed his frustration in a message on X (formerly Twitter).

In his statement, Abbasi said, “My political career aimed at serving the people, but now it is unbearable to hold the burden of confrontation with the state and its institutions. Therefore, I announce to quit and leave politics and PTI.” He went on to defy any violent acts against state institutions and denounced narratives that mislead the nation. He concluded his message with a resounding “Long live Pakistan!”

This development comes in the wake of a series of political shifts within PTI, echoing the departure of Former Federal Minister Farrukh Habib in October 2023. Habib had announced his separation from PTI, opting to join Jahangir Tareen’s Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP). The former federal minister had been arrested in Gwadar along with his four brothers and several others. Following his arrest, Habib’s brother approached the Lahore High Court for his recovery.

Farrukh Habib, a founding member of PTI’s student wing – the Insaf Student Federation (ISF) – and the former minister of state for information in Imran Khan’s cabinet, made the announcement during a press conference at the IPP’s head office in Lahore. The party’s top leadership was present to welcome him into their ranks.

These recent developments highlight the evolving political landscape and shifting alliances within Pakistani politics. As Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi bids farewell to PTI and politics, observers are keenly watching for further developments and potential repercussions within the political arena.