PTI has every right to hold rally on Sept 8, Says Shah Mahmood Qureshi

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the party has every right to hold its planned rally on September 8, stressing that no obstacles should be placed in its path, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Tuesday.

In a conversation with journalists during a trial in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore, he said that the party showed respect for all including state institutions during the last month, and now it is time for that respect to be reciprocated.

"Whether one likes it or not, PTI is a reality in this country. Stability cannot be achieved without engaging with PTI."

He further added that the founder of PTI is currently contesting elections at Oxford University, an achievement that brings pride to Pakistan.

Criticizing those who oppose this move, he labeled them as narrow-minded and urged that the Oxford election be viewed beyond the lens of political affiliations.

Addressing the ongoing political discourse, Qureshi dismissed any notion of a PTI minus its founder.

“Neither Bhutto was ever minus from the PPP nor Nawaz Sharif from the PML-N. Similarly, the PTI cannot exist without its founder," he declared, adding that this is a political reality, whether people accept it or not.

Commenting on the Balochistan’s situation, he described recent events in the province as tragic and called for a comprehensive debate in both the National Assembly and Senate.

Qureshi noted that Balochistan’s problems persisted for years and that the state's policies towards the region may not be appropriate.

 " I am aware of many things as a former foreign minister, but I am constrained by the official secrets act from disclosing certain details," he said, adding that dialogue is the only solution to the issue.  

Qureshi also lamented the growing discontent among traders, the labor class, and freelancers, particularly concerning media censorship and internet restrictions.

He also questioned the commitment of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to the foreign ministry, stating that Dar's heart lies in finance, not foreign affairs, leaving the Foreign Office leaderless.

Qureshi mentioned that Tuesday is the designated day for his family visits, expressing how seeing his only son provides him with comfort, a sentiment he also extended to meeting with media personnel.

Reflecting on his time in jail, he remarked on the isolation, saying, "Staring at the same walls every day can drive a person crazy."

Reporter: Jamal Ud Din Jamali