Shah Mahmood Qureshi warns against banning PTI, calls it a “Big Mistake”
Senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi has cautioned against banning the Imran Khan-founded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), calling it detrimental to the country’s political environment. Speaking informally with journalists at an anti-terrorism court in Lahore, Qureshi remarked, “Crushing the PTI is not appropriate for the country’s politics.”
Currently incarcerated in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail, Qureshi also criticized the idea of imposing governor rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), describing it as a move that would incite hatred in the province. His comments follow speculation that the federal cabinet, led by PM’s aide Rana Sanaullah, had discussed the possibility of governor rule in KP after PTI’s protests in the federal capital. However, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has since dismissed these speculations, stating that no such plan is in place.
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Qureshi expressed gratitude to political leaders, including JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PPP, and PkMAP chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai, for opposing the imposition of governor rule. Maulana Fazlur Rehman had earlier stated, “Governor rule is not a solution,” and emphasized that he would not support it in KP or Balochistan despite its constitutional permissibility. Similarly, PPP Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza affirmed, “We are not in favor of banning the PTI or sidelining it. The government should instead work to bring the PTI into the national mainstream.”
In response to queries about other political issues, Qureshi acknowledged the protests by multiple political parties over the water crisis. The ruling and opposition parties in Sindh have unanimously rejected proposals to dig six additional canals from the Indus River. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reiterated that Sindh would not compromise on its water rights, stating, “Not a single drop of Sindh’s water will be given to anyone.”
Qureshi also requested the court to arrange a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan, who is currently held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. In a sarcastic remark last week, Qureshi urged PTI’s free leadership to visit him in jail “if they can find the time.”
Amid growing political tensions, Qureshi’s warnings highlight the importance of inclusivity in politics and the need for dialogue to address the country’s challenges.
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