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‘Not permissible to fight against army’: MNA Mahmood Maulvi quits PTI in protest after riots

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  • Maulvi also announces resignation from National Assembly.
  • Demands PTI announce those involved in riots will be punished. 
  • “We can change political parties but we cannot change our army.”

Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Mahmood Baqi Maulvi, who was elected on a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ticket, announced Tuesday that he was exiting the party following countrywide riots after party chairman Imran Khan’s arrest.

Khan was arrested from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on May 9 by the Rangers on the warrants of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Following his arrest, the party’s supporters wreaked havoc almost across the country for days, including attacks on military installations.

In a press conference in Karachi, Maulvi announced his resignation from the lower house of parliament and exit from the PTI. “We can change political parties but we cannot change our army. I have never gone against the army nor will I do it in the future,” he stressed.

He also shared that party workers had been discussing before May 9 that they would go to the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi in case Khan was arrested.

“I told them we should not fight against the army because there is no reason for it.”

Maulvi said neither did he know the people who participated in the violent protests, nor was he a part of them, adding that the actions of those involved in the riots were “indefensible”.

“It is not permissible to fight against the army anywhere,” he added.

He further clarified that he was not going to join another political party. Instead, he would either form a social welfare organisation or a new party.

Maulvi also demanded that the PTI announce it would punish all those involved in the riots.

The MNA’s announcement comes days after enraged PTI workers raised the stakes following Khan’s arrest — who has criticised the army since his ouster from power last April — and attacked an entrance gate of the GHQ among other installations of the armed forces.

The situation stabilised after Khan was released on court orders.

After walking free on bail, the party chief insisted his workers did not instigate violence and distanced the PTI from them.

A day earlier, the military’s top brass vowed to try protesters and their abettors under relevant laws, including the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act, following the attacks on military installations on May 9, which the army dubbed as “Black Day”.

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PTI suggests resuming talks with government over judicial commission issue.

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Barrister Gohar, Chairman of the PTI, has claimed that the party’s founder has suspended negotiations, emphasizing that the government should declare the commission within seven days.

He emphasized the PTI’s openness to rethink if the government makes headway and establishes the commission.

Barrister Gohar told the reporters, “Seven days were enough to announce the commission.” We are ready to reconsider, but the government must first announce the commission.”

He stated that the PTI approached the negotiations with an open mind. “The PTI founder has halted the negotiations. “The government had eight laws on their agenda, while we only had two demands,” he stated.

The PTI chairman went on to say that even after seven days, no progress had been made in forming the commission. He encouraged the government to reconsider the decision and proceed with the announcement.

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PTI will declare February 8 to be “Black Day,” sparking protests across the country.

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According to reports, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intends to hold rallies nationwide on Wednesday in support of its decision to declare February 8, the one-year anniversary of the general elections, a black day.

According to media sources, PTI founder Imran Khan has instructed all party lawmakers—including MPAs and MNAs—to plan and take part in demonstrations in their local communities on February 8 in order to draw attention to their complaints and issues.

In a recent meeting with legal advisors on Wednesday, Imran Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the party’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram. The meeting emphasized the importance of party discipline and gave stern directives to abstain from any criticism of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of the JUI-F.

It has also been suggested that the PTI engage opposition leaders in the demonstrations in order to win their support.

Party insiders revealed that the founder has urged leaders to ensure effective coordination and mobilised efforts in preparation for February 8.

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In 13 cases involving the D-Chowk demonstration, Bushra Bibi granted temporary release until February 7.

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Bushra Bibi, the wife of the PTI chairman, was granted temporary release by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in 13 counts pertaining to the November 26 D-Chowk protest. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra ordered the police to produce all pertinent documentation by February 7 and granted bail against surety bonds of Rs. 5,000 apiece.

Additionally, Bushra Bibi was given temporary release until February 7 in the Rangers’ accident case. During the hearing, Judge Tahir Abbas Supra expressed disappointment over the behavior of the defense counsel on two occasions. Addressing the lawyers, he remarked, “You demand VIP protocol everywhere, but this is not possible. Prepare your files properly before coming to court.”

Three cases at the Secretariat Police Station, two each at the Margalla, Karachi Company, and Ramna Police Stations, and one each at the Tarnol, Kohsar, Aabpara, and Khanna Police Stations are among the numerous charges against Bushra Bibi.

In addition, the judge chastised the defense team for requesting that Bushra Bibi sign and thumbprint blank documents. He said, “The accused must sign and thumbprint the court orders, not blank sheets.”

Bushra Bibi also went to the Islamabad High Court to have her biometrics verified in relation to her appeal to be exonerated in the Toshakhana-II case. On Monday, Bushra Bibi and the PTI chairman submitted their acquittal petitions. After finishing the biometric procedure, she departed right away.

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