Major setback for PTI as former finance minister Shaukat Tarin resigns from Senate

In a significant development for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the country's senate chairman, Sadiq Sanjrani, has accepted the resignation of PTI leader and former finance minister Shaukat Tarin from the upper house of parliament, according to a report by Dawn News. Tarin, who cited financial and health reasons, made the decision after facing challenging circumstances over the past two-and-a-half years, including financial difficulties and health issues worsened by double Covid episodes. Tarin emphasized that his resignation was a final departure from active politics, a decision made with the support and insistence of his family and friends.

He announced his resignation from both PTI and the Senate, tendering it during a meeting with Sanjrani in Dubai, which was subsequently accepted by the senate chairman. Tarin's resignation comes as a substantial blow to PTI, which has already seen the departure of several key leaders following protests that erupted in May after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Prominent figures such as Usman Buzdar, Ali Zaidi, Pervez Khattak, Fawad Chaudhry, Shireen Mazari, Asad Umar, Usman Dar, and Farrukh Habib have all left the party.

This latest resignation further challenges PTI's stability and raises questions about its leadership and future direction. Tarin's political career has been closely tied to the PTI government, where he served as finance minister. However, as he was not elected to Parliament, his constitutional term as finance minister ended on October 16. Afterward, he was appointed as the finance adviser to the prime minister. Additionally, Tarin was elected as a senator, allowing him to resume his role as finance minister within PTI.

With Tarin's departure from active politics, the PTI faces an uphill battle in regaining stability and cohesion. The loss of key members, including a former finance minister, highlights internal challenges within the party. PTI will need to address these issues and rebuild its leadership to regain the trust and support of its constituents. As the political landscape continues to evolve in Pakistan, the future trajectory of PTI remains uncertain. (ANI)