In a dramatic turn of events, Maryam Nawaz, the Senior Vice President of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) party, has delivered a scathing blow to Imran Khan, the cricketer-turned-politician and Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Speaking at a convention in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Maryam proclaimed that the “game is over” for Khan, following a wave of senior members deserting his party.
The storm began on May 9, a day etched in infamy, as Khan was arrested, triggering violent protests across the country. The aftermath saw over 70 lawyers and leaders severing ties with the PTI, including prominent figures such as Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, and Shireen Mazari, who resigned from their positions. Maryam took a dig at the PTI, highlighting the long queues of party members departing from their ranks.
Blaming Khan for the mayhem, Maryam questioned the ability of the people to support a leader she dubbed a “jackal.” She accused Khan of being the mastermind behind the acts of “terrorism” that unfolded on May 9, even as his own party members faced anti-terrorism court proceedings. Maryam further criticized Khan’s actions, pointing out the contrasting treatment he accorded his wife, Bushra Bibi, in court compared to other women.
The PML-N senior vice president asserted that the May 9 incident was not only an attack on Pakistan’s Army but also accused Khan of being aided by his “facilitators.” The protests that erupted following Khan’s arrest saw rampant vandalism of military installations, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s House, the Mianwali airbase, and the ISI building in Faisalabad. Most shockingly, the mob even breached the heavily guarded Army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi for the first time.
Amidst the chaos, the toll of lives lost and the mass arrests of Khan’s supporters added to the turmoil. The violent clashes resulted in a reported death toll of 10, while the PTI claimed that 40 of their workers fell victim to firing by security personnel. The powerful Army described the events as a “dark day” in the nation’s history.
With Maryam Nawaz’s vehement declaration that the “game is over” for Imran Khan and the PTI, the political landscape in Pakistan faces further uncertainty. As the exodus of senior party members continues and the consequences of the violent protests reverberate, the nation braces itself for the ensuing power struggle and its repercussions.