Hamad Azhar Resigns Amid Political Turmoil in Pakistan

Hamad Azhar, President of PTI's Punjab chapter, resigns citing dissatisfaction and lack of access to Imran Khan. His resignation highlights internal conflicts and political instability within Pakistan. Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed's arrest adds to PTI's controversies.

Hamad Azhar, President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab chapter and former National Assembly member, announced his resignation on Thursday, ARY News reported. Azhar cited his dissatisfaction due to restricted access to the party's founder, Imran Khan, and lamented Punjab's lack of involvement in organizational decisions.

Azhar disclosed growing frustration over the influence of lobbying over merit in decision-making processes. Despite the challenges, Azhar emphasized he had not held a press conference or struck any deals regarding his departure.

He further mentioned limitations on his mobility, emphasizing that he is not permitted to meet PTI founder Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail. Azhar confirmed that while he resigned from the presidency, he remains committed to PTI as an activist.

Pakistan's political landscape has witnessed considerable turbulence recently, with PTI and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) locked in a persistent power struggle. PTI has seen several defections, and Imran Khan blames the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government for ongoing political instability.

The arrest of former ISI Director General Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed has further embroiled PTI in controversy. However, Imran Khan has distanced the party from Faiz's arrest, calling it an internal military issue, The Express Tribune reported.

Speaking to the media, Imran Khan's legal representative Intezar Panjutha reiterated the PTI chief's call for peaceful protests, emphasizing their importance for the country's freedom. Panjutha clarified that there was no political connection between Khan and Gen Faiz, attributing his replacement to a deal between former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and Nawaz Sharif.

Khan suggested a judicial commission to investigate any links between Faiz's arrest and the May 9 events, advocating the release of CCTV footage. Faiz Hameed faces court-martial for corruption, misuse of authority, and violating the Pakistan Army Act, as announced by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, who was a close associate of Imran Khan and served as ISI head during his tenure, is considered one of Pakistan's most influential military officers.

(With inputs from agencies.)