Ali Zaidi quits politics, resigns from PTI positions

• Ali Zaidi says that he took a difficult decision after much deliberation.
• Says “will continue to work for Pakistan and will bring investment from abroad”.
• Zaidi had made it clear earlier this month that he would not quit the PTI.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh President Ali Zaidi announced on Saturday that he is quitting politics and resigning from party posts.

In a video message, Zaidi said that he had joined politics for Pakistan and had already condemned the May 9 incidents.

Pakistan Armed Forces are our pride and we sleep peacefully because of them as they protect our borders. what happened [on May 9] was very wrong and everyone involved should be held accountable,” said the PTI leader, who was shifted to Jacobabad jail last week.

The former federal minister said that after much deliberation, he took the difficult decision to quit politics.

“I am quitting politics. I am resigning from my positions as Tehreek-e-Insaaf Sindh president, core committee member and MNA,” Zaidi said.

Zaidi said he would “continue to work for Pakistan and bring investment from abroad” as he did before entering politics.

“Before entering politics, I used to bring foreign exchange to Pakistan, I want to do that again. I am saying goodbye to politics,” the former federal minister said and ended his video statement with a pro-military slogan.

Zaidi, other top party leaders and thousands of workers were arrested after violence erupted against the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan on May 9.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir termed it a “black day” and vowed to bring to justice all those involved in the attack on military installations.

The top Army officials have also decided that no more tolerance will be shown against criminals, vandals and violators who vandalize military installations and setups under any circumstances.

Zaidi was arrested on May 9 under Section 4 of the Maintenance of Public Order and placed under house arrest, and his residence in the port city was declared a sub-jail.

As leaders began to leave the PTI, a rumor started that Zaidis were also jumping ship.

However, on 17 May, Zaidi clarified in a press conference that he had entered politics from the platform of his current party and would not leave it no matter what.

“I want to make it clear today: I will not quit PTI. I will quit when Imran Khan does. No one can buy my loyalty,” Zaidi had said then.

Just hours after pledging allegiance to the PTI and Imran Khan, the Sindh government immediately transferred Zaidi to Jacobabad Jail the same night and revoked his detention orders.