Islamabad: Shireen Mazari, a senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and a former federal minister, declared on Tuesday that she would be quitting the party and active politics and had made the decision “for the sake of family” Mazari explained her decision to leave politics to the media in Islamabad by citing her commitment to her family and children.
Mazari added that she is speaking to the media today to address two issues. “I have expressed my disapproval of the events of May 9 and 10. I detest all forms of disorder,” she continued. She claimed that during her 12-day detention, both Imaan Mazari, her daughter, and her health suffered greatly, which is why she has chosen to leave politics.
“I am leaving politics because of my children, family and health issues. My family and children are my first priority,” she reiterated.
Earlier in the day, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a notice of contempt to the federal capital’s inspector general (IG) in a plea related to the arrest of Mazari.
On Monday, Mazari was taken into custody for the fourth time in 10 days from outside Adiala Jail despite being released on court orders.
Her daughter, human rights lawyer and activist, Imaan Mazari, who is also representing the former minister had accused the authorities of torture and violation of rights.
Meanwhile, PTI chairperson and former prime minister Imran Khan condemned Mazari’s arrest and said that this was merely an attempt to “break her spirit”.
“This regime is sinking to new lows. Her health is fragile…Shireen won’t break as she has more courage than most people I have come across in my life. However, the country is rapidly descending towards becoming a Banana republic where might is right.”
Despite relief from the courts, there appears to be no respite in the crackdown on PTI as several party leaders are arrested, many on multiple occasions, following violent protests that erupted following party chief Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, when sensitive state and military institutions were targeted.
