Former foreign minister claims fabricated charges and expresses confidence in judicial system
LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi has alleged that authorities are concerned his release could lead to widespread public mobilization, asserting that he faces fabricated charges.
Appearing before an Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore for hearings related to the May 9 violence cases, Qureshi argued, “I was not in Punjab when these cases were filed, yet I was arrested over a year later. Upon my release, I was immediately rearrested under new charges connected to May 9.”
The former Foreign Minister emphasized his dedication to the rule of law, stating, “I have never considered fleeing. I am the deputy captain of PTI’s founding leader and have been involved in politics for 40 years without facing a single case until now.”
Qureshi criticized the prosecution for deliberately delaying the trial, accusing authorities of avoiding substantive arguments to prolong the case. “If we are guilty, we should be punished. They are wasting the nation’s time,” he added. Currently, Qureshi is dealing with 55 legal cases. He expressed confidence in the judiciary and urged for a swift resolution of his cases.
Several months ago, Qureshi was indicted in connection with the arson of Shadman police station on May 9, 2023. The Anti-Terrorism Court in Kot Lakhpat Jail, Lahore, held a hearing for the Shadman arson case, where Judge Khalid Arshad formally charged Qureshi and scheduled a subsequent hearing.
The court indicted Shah Mahmood Qureshi and adjourned the case until July 22. He was previously transported to Kot Lakhpat Jail under heavy security for the proceedings related to the May 9 incidents.
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