LAHORE: PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi reaffirmed his commitment to the party and the legal process, vowing not to flee despite mounting legal challenges.
Speaking before the Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore during hearings related to the May 9 incident, Qureshi stated he would face the accusations head-on. Addressing the court, Qureshi clarified that he was not present in Punjab when the cases were filed against him. “I was arrested over a year later and upon release, rearrested in connection with the May 9 cases,” he remarked. The former foreign minister voiced concerns about the rapid increase in cases against him, now totaling 55, criticizing what he sees as deliberate delays in the legal process. “The prosecution is wasting the nation’s time,” he asserted.
Despite the charges, Qureshi expressed unwavering faith in the judiciary and demanded a fair and timely trial. Qureshi underscored his loyalty to PTI, stating, “I have never considered fleeing. I am the deputy captain of PTI’s founding leader and have been in politics for 40 years without any cases until now.” He further claimed that authorities feared his release could lead to public mobilization, dismissing the charges as politically motivated. The court proceedings continue, with Qureshi calling for justice to be served swiftly.