Blaming PTI chief, Sadaqat Abbasi joins long list of PTI deserters
Pakistan
Says he is parting ways with PTI, quitting politics
(Web Desk) – Announcing parting ways with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), former MNA Sadaqat Abbasi has disclosed that a plan to attack army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi was prepared if the party chief was arrested.
Abbasi said during a private TV show aired on Monday night that a rally was planned near GHQ on May 4. On May 7, it was decided that ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) offices and the GHQ would be attacked if the PTI chief was arrested, he added.
The PTI chief had openly said that “our war is against the establishment,” Abbasi continued. The ex-MNA said that the May 6 rally was taken out to convey a message to the establishment.
"I announce quitting the PTI, the office of the North Punjab president, and politics," Abbasi said. The former PTI parliamentarian, however, vowed to continue serving the masses even after abandoning politics.
"Due to the anti-establishment narrative, I cannot continue as a PTI member. I have no plans of staying in politics anymore," Abbasi stated.
He maintained that after May 9 turmoil, he went into hiding. “I took refuge in a friend’s house for about a month. After that, I went to Gilgit along with my family.”
Before his revelation that he went to Gilgit during the interview, news of his “mysterious disappearance” were rife. Meanwhile, in a video uploaded on social media, Abbasi could be seen overwhelmed with emotions when he met his family “after a month.”
It may be recalled that an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi approved his pre-arrest bail in a case till October 10. He is also named in several cases related to the attack on military installations.
Abbasi has joined the list of politicians who have quit the PTI. The long list of leaders included Usman Dar, Fawad Chaudhry, Shireen Mazari, and Pervez Khattak.
A crackdown was also launched against those involved in the events, leading to the arrest of hundreds of party workers and leaders — including Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
