Shah Mahmood Qureshi Urges PTI Leadership to Visit Him in Jail, Reaffirms Loyalty to Imran Khan
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi, currently incarcerated at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore, made a pointed remark on Saturday, urging the party’s leadership to visit him and other jailed members if they can spare the time. Speaking to the media at Rawalpindi’s anti-terrorism court, Qureshi emphasized the importance of engaging with imprisoned party members and reiterated his unwavering loyalty to PTI chairman Imran Khan, who is also in custody at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
Loyalty and False Charges
Qureshi addressed his current situation, explaining, “I am standing firm where I stood before. Earlier, I was in Adiala Jail for the cipher case. By the grace of Allah, I emerged successful in that case. Now, I find myself in Kot Lakhpat Jail, facing fabricated charges.” Despite these challenges, Qureshi expressed his continued commitment to the party’s cause and its leadership.
Appeal to Leadership
Directing his remarks toward PTI leaders such as Barrister Gohar, Salman Akram Raja, Omar Ayub, and Sheikh Waqas Akram, Qureshi sarcastically suggested they make time to visit him in jail. “The party’s free leadership should consider visiting us at Kot Lakhpat Jail if their schedules allow,” he said, adding, “We have been imprisoned for one-and-a-half years, including Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Ijaz Chaudhry, Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, and Omar Sarfraz Cheema. It would be beneficial if the leadership sought our input on political matters. We might have something valuable to offer.”
Family’s Statements
In an informal conversation with reporters, Qureshi’s daughter, Meher Bano, relayed a message from her father, highlighting the significance of the upcoming November 24 call, which he described as pivotal for the party’s future.
Meanwhile, Qureshi’s son, Zain Qureshi, a member of the National Assembly, shared insights into his own position within the party. He revealed that he had been issued a show-cause notice and had since responded. “I have resigned from my party post. My case is now with the party leadership, and I remain hopeful for a positive outcome,” he said. Zain also mentioned his recent participation in a PTI meeting held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where he engaged with other party members.
Broader Context
The statements come at a critical time for PTI, with its leadership under pressure amid legal challenges and political turmoil. Both Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Imran Khan remain central figures in the party, and their imprisonment has led to calls for unity and strategic planning within PTI ranks.
Qureshi’s remarks underscore the need for greater cohesion and communication within PTI, as well as the ongoing struggle of its incarcerated members to stay involved in party affairs despite their circumstances.
