Mian Aslam Iqbal, considered to be a key member of former Punjab chief ministers Usman Buzdar and Pervaiz Elahi's provincial cabinets, has left the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), his brother claimed in a video message posted on Friday.
In the short, 50-second video, a man introduces himself as Mian Amjad Iqbal, the brother of PTI leader Mian Aslam Iqbal.
He states that he has been involved in politics for the past 23 years, contesting as an independent candidate from Punjab's provincial constituency of PP-171 and has won the constituency as well, thanks to public support.
"I have worked for the public good in the past and will continue to do so in the future."
He went on to say that they [he and his brother Aslam] do not have any ties with any miscreants [allegedly involved in the May 9 incidents] either in the past nor will they have any ties in the future.
People have trusted us [with their vote] in the past, he said, adding that he will contest from PP-171 in the future as well.
"My brother, Mian Aslam Iqbal, has no ties with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and we will keep working for Pakistan," he concludes.
The authorities have been hunting for Mian Aslam Iqbal for what they claim is his alleged role in the May 9 incidents.
The statement appears to be an attempt at rapproachment from Mian Alsam Iqbal with the authorities eversince the Punjab police launched a fresh crackdown against those suspected to be involved in the May 9 incidents.