Shah Mehmood Qureshi Criticizes PTI’s Approach Towards Donald Trump and Urges National Consensus
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi has stated that the party’s reliance on former U.S. President Donald Trump was a misguided policy. Speaking with the media at Adiala Jail, Qureshi emphasized that the PTI’s expectations from Trump were unrealistic and misguided.
Qureshi also discussed the letter sent by the founder of PTI, Imran Khan, to the Army Chief, acknowledging that while he has heard of the letter, he has not seen it himself. He reiterated that the intention behind such moves should be viewed positively if the goal is to resolve matters. He believes the letter outlined reasons and suggestions concerning Pakistan’s issues and should be interpreted constructively.
Addressing the need for unity, Qureshi urged the removal of hatred and called for reducing divides in the country. He proposed the necessity for a national agenda and a larger national agreement among all political parties. He stressed that there should be agreement on an independent and sovereign Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections.
Qureshi criticized the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and Pakistan Peoples Party for damaging democracy by passing the PECA (Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act) amendment, which he claims stifled freedom of speech in the country.
Reflecting on PTI’s stance, Qureshi asserted that expecting outcomes from Trump was a flawed policy and that the focus should shift to pursuing justice for the party’s cases through a clear stance rather than reliance on foreign support. He stated that he stands innocent in the May 9th case and is confident in his position.
He also emphasized the importance of national consensus for reforms, noting that no individual can address the country’s challenges alone. The current leadership, according to Qureshi, should think with both the heart and the mind for the betterment of the country.
Qureshi further commented on the legacy of former leaders, asserting that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto will be remembered for creating the 1973 Constitution, while Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto will be remembered for undermining it.
On the issue of dialogue, Qureshi pointed out that despite Imran Khan’s initiative to form a negotiation committee to engage with political parties, the committee never convened. He concluded by stressing the need for sincerity in addressing the country’s challenges, calling for an honest approach to resolving the nation’s issues.
