PTI leader Imran Ismail has decided to quit politics as he addresses his final “political press conference” in Karachi on Saturday.

“After getting freed. I have decided that after much thought that resign from all positions of PTI. I resign from PTI and leave PTI,” he said. “After today, I will try to serve my country. I don’t know whether my politics will continue or end. But, I am thankful for the love given to me by the people. I apologise if I have hurt somebody.”

He ended his press conference by saying “goodbye” to Imran Khan and PTI.

Ismail said that unlike his other colleagues, who addressed press conferences, he was not interlinked with the army. “No one in my family was in the army, but my heart is with Pakistan,” he said and added that his heart is with Pakistan. “I have a relation with the army. I have an association. I wanted to join Pakistan Air Force. I wanted to become a pilot, but my mother did not allow me as she did not want to lose her son.”

“In this diversion or narrative building many friends were uncomfortable, many advised Khan Sb that it was appropriate and many were opposed to it. Now everyone says that they are against it, but someone has to take responsibility I won’t take names but they should think today who gave such advises while sitting around Khan Sb and called different names, sometimes Mr X, Y, Dirty Harry.

Apparently, this kept in the minds of the people that our fight is not against political opponents but against the establishment. Khan Sb is arrested on May 9 and a rebellion is started in the country. On May 9, I along with Shah Mahmood Qureshi go to Islamabad from Karachi and some of my party members were disappointed that I did not participate in the protest. This was showing my discomfort that it was not appropriate and on that bad day on May 9, GHQ, Corps Commander’s house, that airplane which was flown by MM Alam, symbols of martyrs are attacked

It is yet to be ascertained who attacked and whoever attacked, we all agree that an inquiry should be conducted and be punished, whether they are associated with the PTI or not.“

Ismail said that unlike his other colleagues, who addressed press conferences, he was not interlinked with the army. “No one in my family was in the army, but my heart is with Pakistan,” he said and added that his heart is with Pakistan. “I have a relation with the army. I have an association. I wanted to join Pakistan Air Force. I wanted to become a pilot, but my mother did not allow me as she did not want to lose her son.”

He added that no soldier was not ready to give his life for Rs50,000 and asked if there was anyone like them. He was of the view that people behind May 9 events should be punished after inquiry.