LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi has called for justice as he has been behind bars for one-and-a-half years.
“If I am guilty, punish me… if I am innocent, grant me relief,” said Qureshi during an informal media talk at an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Friday. He is currently incarcerated in Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore.
Qureshi, the former foreign minister, criticised the government’s approach to handling political dissent and called for dialogue. “The PTI is a major political party, and banning it would be foolish,” he said.
Qureshi further demanded a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9, 2023, ensuring accountability for those responsible.
During the protests on May 9, miscreants targeted the civil and military installations including — Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military termed May 9 “Black Day” and decided to try the PTI protesters under the Army Act.
PTI founder Imran Khan, however, blames “agencies’ men” for arson and shooting in some areas during the May 9 violent protests.
Qureshi also called for relief for other detained party leaders, including Yasmin Rashid and Ijaz Chaudhry.
“A conducive environment for negotiations can only emerge if the government changes its tone,” the senior PTI leader added.
