PTI Leader Babar Awan Leaves for UK Amidst Party Leaders' Exodus

Prominent lawyer and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, Babar Awan, has reportedly departed for the United Kingdom amidst a mass exodus of party leaders following a crackdown by authorities after the May 9 mayhem and attacks on civil and military installations. According to sources, Awan, who is also the legal advisor to PTI Chairman Imran Khan, left for London from Islamabad International Airport via a foreign airline. Confirming the reports on Twitter, Awan stated that he is abroad for personal engagements and emphasized that all his medical treatments are received from Pakistani doctors using Pakistani medicines. He expressed his allegiance to Imran Khan as his leader, referred to PTI as his extended family, and Pakistan as his destination.

The protests that ensued after Imran Khan's arrest from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Qadir Trust case resulted in casualties, injuries, and the suspension of internet services to maintain law and order. PTI workers reportedly vandalized and attacked military installations, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The army labeled the day of Khan's arrest as a "Black Day." The government has taken stringent measures, arresting numerous party leaders and workers in connection with the violent protests. The army has insisted on trying those involved in attacks on military installations under the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act.

In light of the ongoing situation, PTI's close aide Asad Umar resigned from his positions as secretary-general and core committee member. Many party leaders and lawmakers, such as Shireen Mazari, Aamir Mehmood Kiani, Malik Amin Aslam, Mahmood Moulvi, Aftab Siddiqui, and Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, have publicly denounced the attacks on state installations and announced their departure from the party since the May 9 incident.

The federal government is reportedly considering imposing a ban on the PTI, citing evidence of pre-planned and coordinated attacks on public properties and military installations by the party's supporters, as claimed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

Awan's family sources stated that his trip to London was scheduled in advance and that he would return soon.