Former foreign minister and senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Shah Mahmood Qureshi has voiced strong opposition to the ongoing 26th constitutional amendment process, calling it unconstitutional.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, speaking informally to the media outside the Anti-Terrorism Court on Wednesday, Qureshi said, "We have serious reservations regarding the constitutional amendment. Any amendment brought under pressure or coercion would be unconstitutional."
Qureshi criticised the government for allegedly ignoring the perspective of the legal community and pushing through the amendment with undue haste.
The PTI leader claimed that members of the National Assembly and Senate were facing pressure, questioning the democratic validity of the process.
"Is this the democratic way? I would give only a message to the party people: 'Stand firm like Hussain's refusal,'" he remarked, invoking a historical reference to resistance.
He further alleged that raids were being conducted at the homes of PTI members, violating the sanctity of privacy. "I have been in jail for one and a half years despite being innocent," Qureshi added, stating that he now only places his hope in God.
On the subject of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Qureshi expressed frustration over restrictions on meeting him, stating that the ban on family visits was inappropriate and against basic human decency.
"It is a matter of humanity that Imran Khan should be allowed to meet his family," Qureshi said.
Qureshi commented on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, stating, "It is an honour for Pakistan to host the SCO summit. We warmly welcome the foreign dignitaries attending the event."
He emphasised the importance of the summit for regional development and peace, citing this as the reason why PTI had withdrawn its protest call scheduled for October 15.