Cracks are now clearer in PTI

ISLAMABAD: Differences between Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Jahangir Khan Tareen - two bigwigs of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf again surfaced Monday.

More interestingly, other members of the cabinet also chipped in, mostly to throw their support to Tareen.

Though, Tareen no more holds the slot of secretary general of PTI, following his disqualification by the Supreme Court, he commands considerable influence in the rank and file of the party, whereas Qureshi is vice-chairman.

Initially, it was Qureshi, who holds slot of Foreign Minister, at news conference, politely suggested to Tareen to desist from attending the official meetings, as these provided ‘cannon fodder’ to PML-N to question his presence at such events.

Qureshi did not suggest this before acknowledging Tareen’s services to the party, calling him a God-gifted man with outstanding capabilities.

The government’s top spokesperson, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, who is minister for information and broadcasting, came forward to defend Tareen, saying he joins the cabinet on the wish of Prime Minister Imran Khan. It goes without saying that the saga of differences between the two is not new; it came up strongly during the phase of awarding tickets to the PTI candidates for 2018 general elections. Qureshi and Tareen had strong difference of opinion on who should be left out and who should be given nod to contest elections. On its part, the party had denied such scene.

Qureshi quoted as telling the former secretary general of PTI, “I would ask my brother [Tareen] to think about this: when you participate in government meetings, it gives [PML-N’s] Marriyyum Aurangzeb an opportunity to hold a presser and call into question if this [your presence in meetings] is not contempt of court?”

Tareen was disqualified by the Supreme Court in December 2017 for mis-declaration under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution — the same provision under which former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was held ineligible for life to hold any public office over the Panama Papers case.

Qureshi’s suggestion to Tareen on the heels of a surprise briefing the latter gave to the federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan on agriculture and this prompted Marriyyum to quip if it was not contempt of the court that a person, sentenced by the Supreme Court was sitting in the cabinet meeting.

He referred to Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution and said, “When it applies to Nawaz Sharif, we say he is not eligible for a position — neither of a party nor the government — but it changes for us. The PTI worker is unable to accept it”.

Tareen was quick to react to this statement and asserted that he was answerable to only one person in his life and that is Imran Khan. He also clarified that “There’s only one man in my life, whom I consider my leader & to whom I’m answerable. His name is Imran Khan. I’ve stood by his side through thick and thin and will continue to do so till my last breath, IA. What others may say for their own strange reasons does not concern me,” he tweeted.

Information Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain threw his support to Tareen and tweeted the elders should respect the wish of Prime Minister Imran Khan, on whose desire, Tareen attends cabinet meetings.

“A leading character in bringing PTI to government today is that of Jahangir Tareen. He attends cabinet meetings on the desire of Prime Minister Imran Khan. The elders should accord respect to Prime Minister’s desire,” the minister contended.

He continued that the court judgement against Tareen was unfortunate: he was out of the elections but not from the heart of PTI workers.

Another PTI cabinet member Faisal Vawda also supported Tareen and clarified that he sits in official meetings on the insistence of cabinet members, including himself.

Vawda said, He (Tareen) had selflessly done a lot for the party and we respect him as a senior colleague and learn from his expertise. Nobody in the party can dictate us, the prime minister is our leader and we take instructions from him only.”

He tweeted, “JKT sits in official meetings on the insistence of cabinet members including myself. He has selflessly done a lot for the party, we respect him as a senior colleague & learn from his expertise. Nobody in the party can DICTATE us, PM is our leader & we take instructions from him only.”

Adviser to the Punjab Chief Minister and a close aide of the prime minister, Awn Chaudhry, did not lag behind in backing Tareen by tweeting, “As a PTI activist, I have learnt a lot from Jahangir Tareen. His services for Pakistan and PTI are unparalleled. Pakistan needs him now more than ever. His necessary presence in official meetings always adds to the effectiveness of the matter and doesn’t create any controversy.”

A known social media activist of the PTI tweeted that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) feared sagging popularity in Sindh because of a successful meeting in Ghotki [addressed by Imran Khan]; the next day Qureshi addressed a press conference to create rift in the PTI although he could have discussed the matter with the prime minister within the party.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister Tamur Khan and Punjab Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal too stood with Tareen and showered praise on his “unforgettable” services for the PTI.

However, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail was discreet and refused to become a party in the open confrontation when asked by a reporter about the row. “I greatly regret and feel sorry over this exchange,” he said.