Hammad resigns as not able to serve PTI from the front

LAHORE: Hammad Azhar, a senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), announced his resignation from the positions of acting PTI Punjab president and general-secretary on Wednesday.

He cited ongoing legal cases against him and the challenges faced by the party as reasons for his decision.

Azhar, who previously held a federal ministerial position during the PTI government, submitted his resignation letter to PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan and Secretary-General Omar Ayub Khan.

In the letter, he explained that his continued absence from public appearances due to his underground status makes it selfish for him to continue in leadership roles.

He expressed the belief that the party would be better served by leaders who can actively engage with the public and media, something he is unable to do. Azhar emphasized the need for leadership to have direct access to Imran Khan, the party’s founding chairman, which he lacks.

He recounted the challenges faced by PTI workers and leaders, including arrests, torture, and expulsion from the party, following incidents that occurred after Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9.

Azhar highlighted his personal struggles, including facing “fake” terrorism charges and being banned from electronic media, as well as raids on his residence and harassment of his family. Despite working for the party from an undisclosed location since May 2023, Azhar discussed the ban on PTI political gatherings, the February 8 general election, and alleged rigging that the party claims led to the loss of its mandate and majority.

He concluded his letter by stating that he made the difficult decision to resign after careful consideration, out of concern for the party’s welfare. Azhar pledged to continue serving the party as a loyal and committed member.