Exit from Politics
Asad Umar, the former planning minister and ex-secretary general of PTI, announced his definitive departure from politics and resignation from the basic membership of the party. This decision comes after more than a decade of public service, marking a significant shift in Umar’s political trajectory.
In a social media post, he conveyed, “After more than one decade in public life, I have decided to completely quit politics. I am resigning from [the] basic membership of PTI.”
The backdrop to this decision includes the turmoil following the May 9 riots, triggered by the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in Islamabad. In the aftermath, over a hundred prominent leaders, including Umar, faced detention, leading to a wave of resignations from the party.
Umar, who was once a close aide to Imran Khan, distanced himself from PTI positions and did not align with other political entities, including the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party and PTI Parliamentarians, both of which had become a refuge for several PTI defectors.
Umar’s resignation echoes his disagreement with the policy of confrontation with state institutions, emphasizing the detrimental impact such a stance has on the nation.
He expressed his appreciation for those who supported him throughout his public career, specifically acknowledging the NA-54 team and the voters who elected him twice.
In his parting words, Umar reflected on his efforts to serve the constituency that elected him, invoking blessings upon the Pakistani nation. The move marks a notable shift in Umar’s political trajectory and underscores the challenges and internal dissent within PTI, particularly in the aftermath of the May 9 events.
As Umar steps away from politics, the landscape of Pakistani politics continues to evolve, shaped by the dynamics of leadership, policy decisions, and the shifting allegiances of key political figures. Overall, Asad Umar, who resigned in May post the May 9 riots, formally exit from politics by resigning from the party’s basic membership.
