Asad Umar 'not in touch' with Tareen, in contact with Fawad

Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secretary general Asad Umar cleared the air on Monday surrounding rumours of contacts with estranged party leader Jahangir Tareen, but said Fawad Chaudhry contacts him often. "I have no contact with Jahangir Tareen," he told journalists outside a sessions court in Islamabad, adding that "have gotten in touch with Fawad Chaudhry every so often." Earlier, Umar had announced stepping down from all party positions shortly after he was released from Adiala Jail. "It is not possible for me to lead party under these circumstances. I am resigning as secretary general and core committee member of the PTI," he said while addressing a press conference. Responding to a question, Umar had clarified that he has not left PTI but only resigned as the secretary general of the party. Meanwhile, several others have left the party post-May 9 -- including central party figure, Fawad Chaudhry. Some deserters have since reportedly reached out to the disgruntled leader, Tareen, who has become active once again. According to reports, Tareen has decided to form a new political party and sources said two ex-PTI top leaders, Fawad Chaudhry and Shaukat Tarin, had contacted him to exchange views on joining it. Read We'll ‘move forward together’ with Tareen: ex-AJK PM Umar's remarks outside the court today have added to speculations as he did not shy away from admitting that the PTI was indeed in contact with Fawad. When asked by a journalist if Tareen was going to rejoin the PTI however, Umar retorted back suggesting they did not have "a relationship" with each other. In response to another question about Faisal Vawda -- former PTI leader who has turned his back on the party and joined political foes in criticising the party for its anti-amy rhetoric -- Umar said he had "no idea" whose side he was on. The PTI stalwart was less tightlipped in expressing his frustration with the continued series of court appearances that he was facing. "There is no pressure on me, aside from having to show up in court every day," he said, "I think it has been over a week since I was released from Adiala [jail], but have appeared in different courts over eight different times." Notably, Umar secured a bail extension until June 10 at the local court today in a case lodged against him at Tarnol police station over May 9 riots. During the proceedings, the associate prosecutor informed the court of the demise of the prosecutor's mother and requested Additional Sessions Judge Tahir Abbas Supra to postpone the hearing. Umar however stated that "we both know that there is nothing to this case. I am the only person whose statements regarding May 9 and 10 are on record and there is no evidence [for the accusations]". "I would prefer to complete my arguments today," said Umar's lawyer. However, the judge remarked that it would be appropriate to delay the hearing until June 10 and extended Umar's bail without holding the proceedings.