Shah Mehmood Qureshi Criticizes Government, Defends Imran Khan’s Role in Pakistan
Lahore, Pakistan – Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Vice Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), criticized the current government for trying to suppress PTI. He emphasized that political stability in Pakistan cannot be achieved without recognizing the role of PTI’s founder, Imran Khan.
Qureshi, speaking to journalists in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail, stated, “Imran Khan is a political reality. Without accepting this reality, our country cannot achieve political stability.” He also mentioned that numerous cases had been filed against him in the past year, despite having a clean record for 39 years.
The former ruling party, PTI, has been under scrutiny for its alleged involvement in the May 9 riots, which saw military installations being vandalized. Qureshi defended the slain Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti, stating he was not anti-Pakistan and was a victim of cruelty. He urged for dialogue to resolve issues in Balochistan.
Qureshi also defended Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), against accusations of being a traitor, calling him a democrat with a constitutional ideology.
Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned for over a year, expressed willingness to talk with the military within constitutional limits and promised to apologize if PTI workers were found responsible for the May 9 riots. He denied that PTI workers were involved in the riots and criticized the labeling of peaceful protesters as terrorists.
PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan announced that Imran Khan would seek court intervention to obtain CCTV footage of the May 9 protests. He claimed that no deals had been made with anyone and accused the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of trying to create divisions between the nation and the army.
Ayub also stated that this year would see fresh elections and called for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to be independent. He echoed Imran Khan’s statement that the current government only has two months left in power and rejected any interim setup under the current government.
Doubts Revealed
Shah Mehmood Qureshi -: Shah Mehmood Qureshi is a politician in Pakistan. He is the Vice Chairman of a political party called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) -: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is a political party in Pakistan. It was founded by Imran Khan, who is a famous cricketer turned politician.
Imran Khan -: Imran Khan is a former cricketer who became a politician. He founded the political party PTI and has been the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
May 9 riots -: The May 9 riots refer to violent protests that happened in Pakistan on May 9. People were angry and caused damage to property.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a province in Pakistan. It has faced many issues like lack of development and political unrest.
constitutional limits -: Constitutional limits are rules set by the country’s constitution. These rules tell what the government and its officials can and cannot do.
Omar Ayub Khan -: Omar Ayub Khan is a politician in Pakistan. He is the Secretary General of PTI, which means he helps manage the party’s activities.
independent elections -: Independent elections are fair and free elections where people can vote without any pressure or influence from the government.
interim setup -: An interim setup is a temporary government put in place until new elections are held. It is not a permanent government.