Former PTI parliamentarian Maleeka Bokhari quits party following May 9 riots
Bokhari expressed condemnation for the events and stated that they were deeply painful for every Pakistani during a press conference in Islamabad.


Islamabad: Maleeka Bokhari, a former parliamentarian, announced her departure from the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday, becoming another leader to leave the party in the aftermath of the May 9 riots.
Bokhari expressed condemnation for the events and stated that they were deeply painful for every Pakistani during a press conference in Islamabad. Emphasizing her independent decision, she mentioned her desire to contribute positively to Pakistan as a lawyer and spend more time with her family. Bokhari's resignation came shortly after her release from Adiala Jail, where she had been detained under Section 4 of the Maintenance of Public Order.
In addition to Bokhari, PTI Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir also announced his departure from the party, denouncing the May 9 riots and the attack on the Jinnah House. He declared his intention to serve as an independent member rather than remaining with the PTI in the Senate. Furthermore, former Punjab Assembly members Mumtaz Ahmad Maharvi and Asif Manzoor Mohal, from Bahawalnagar, joined the list of those leaving the party, with Mohal describing May 9 as the "darkest day in Pakistan's history."
Following Imran Khan's arrest on May 9, PTI has faced significant pressure from state authorities due to party workers vandalizing and attacking military installations, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The army labeled May 9 as a "Black Day," resulting in the arrest of numerous party leaders and workers. The army has demanded that individuals involved in the attacks on military installations be prosecuted under the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act.
As a consequence of the ongoing situation, Asad Umar, a close aide of Imran Khan, stepped down from his positions as secretary-general and core committee member. Several other PTI leaders and lawmakers, such as Shireen Mazari, Aamir Mehmood Kiani, Malik Amin Aslam, Mahmood Moulvi, Aftab Siddiqui, and Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, have publicly criticized the attacks on state installations and announced their departure from the party since the May 9 incidents.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif revealed that the federal government was contemplating imposing a ban on the PTI after receiving evidence of "pre-planned" and "coordinated" attacks on public properties and military installations carried out by PTI supporters.
During her press conference, Bokhari expressed support for the authorities' decision to investigate the May 9 events and emphasized the need to hold those responsible for the violence accountable under the law.

KP CM announces no forced expulsions of Afghan nationals
- 3 hours ago
PSX sees record surge, closes lower amid global market concerns
- 7 hours ago

IMF delegation in Pakistan for technical support, budget discussions
- 6 hours ago

Ohtani's walk-off pushes Dodgers to historic 8-0
- 6 hours ago
Magnitude 4.0 earthquake hits Arabian Gulf near Jubail
- 4 hours ago

China imposes 34% tariffs on US imports in trade war retaliation
- 3 hours ago

Legendary rock band Metallica surpasses one billion benchmark on Spotify
- an hour ago
Two terrorists neutralised in IBO Balochistan's Kech IBO
- 33 minutes ago
50 Afghan nationals detained in Rawalpindi
- 5 hours ago

Bilawal reaffirms PPP's commitment to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's legacy
- 2 hours ago

UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup, FIFA president confirms
- 5 hours ago
268th Corps Commander Conference reaffirms commitment to eradicate terrorism
- 3 hours ago