Former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has asserted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has a right to hold its rally scheduled for September 8, insisting that it should not be obstructed.
In an informal conversation with journalists during his prison trial on Tuesday, he emphasized the need for mutual respect, stating, "On August 22, we respected everyone, including institutions. Now we should be respected in return. The country will advance only through mutual respect."
Qureshi highlighted that whether anyone believed it or not, “the PTI is the reality of this country", and stressed that national stability cannot be achieved without engaging with his party.
He further stressed that “minus Imran Khan" there can be no PTI, adding that all the past minus formulae had consistently failed.
“Neither Bhutto was ever minused from the PPP nor was Nawaz Sharif from the PML-N. Similarly, Imran Khan can also not be minused,” Qureshi maintained.
Shah Mahmood also reiterated that Imran Khan was contesting the election for Oxford University chancellor, which would be an honour for Pakistan.
“Those speaking against the Oxford election are showing narrow-mindedness. The election should be seen apart from the political party,” Qureshi added.
“Understand the message your friendly countries are sending,” he stressed.
He further expressed regret over the recent terrorist incidents in Balochistan, adding that the solution to the province’s issues lay in dialogue only. He also criticized Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s statement that the terrorists could be eliminated by even an SHO.
“This statement shows he has no clue about the issues, which have been going on for years,” Qureshi stated, adding that looking at the problems, it can be said the state policy in Balochistan is not correct.
“I have been a foreign minister and know a lot of things, but can’t speak out because of the Official Secrets Act,” he added.
The former minister said there should be a comprehensive debate on the issue of Balochistan in the National Assembly and the Senate. “All the parties should give their opinion in this debate.”
Qureshi also commented on the media censorship and protests regarding the internet by freelancers. He added that the Foreign Office is currently "leaderless”.
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