Dissident PTI chief Hashmi quits Parliament

Dissident Pakistan Tehrike- Insaf President Makhdoom Javed Hashmi on Tuesday attended the joint sitting of Parliament and announced he is resigning from the National Assembly membership to go to the people.

“I had submitted my resignation earlier to the Speaker. Now I formally announce my resignation. I am now going back to the people of Pakistan,” he said at a joint session of the National Assembly and the Senate.

He claimed none of the PTI members had submitted their resignations happily. He said PTI chief Imran Khan acknowledges the political system while PAT leader Tahir- ul- Qadri is bent on derailing the system. “I asked Imran Khan not to seek resignation from any of his MNAs with force,” said Mr Hashmi. “I am here to give testimony. I am not emotional, but speak with emotions. Nawaz Sharif was has been in authority for 31 years but situation of the country has never improved,” he said. “Imran Khan respected me the most. He listened to me carefully on all issues,” Mr Hashmi said adding, “I am still the president of PTI.” The PTI president was expelled from the party by Mr Khan last day for opposing Mr Khan’s decision to invade the Parliament and the PM’s House.