Imran Khan will remain PTI chief, says Qureshi

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Former foreign minister and PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Tuesday that Imran Khan was the party chairman and would continue to work in the same capacity.

Talking to reporters, he said that the district and sessions court’s decision in the Toshakhana reference had been challenged because it had flaws in it.

He further said that the core committee, which the PTI chairman had constituted before going into the jail, was now looking after the party affairs. “There is an issue with the party’s symbol as well, and we are looking into it,” he informed.

Qureshi questioned as to why census was not held before the dissolution of assemblies on August 9. “The situation is now even PPP leaders, including Raza Rabbani, are raising objections,” he said, and added, “Resolving the issues through dialogue is vital for democracy.”

PTI vice chairman reiterated the party’s stance that the only constitutional democratic and political way to pull the country out of crisis was free and fair elections.

He expressed the hope that the state institutions would take decisions keeping in the future.

Strongly disagreeing with the idea of a ‘level playing field’, former foreign minister stressed the need for giving verdicts in the light of laws and the constitution. “We have reservations over the notion of ‘level playing field’,” he added.

Qureshi said that Asad Umar was still in the PTI, and the party members were benefitting from his experience.

He said he did not think Raja Riaz was a genuine leader of the opposition since he was the man of the government’s liking.

He told media that today Imran’s sisters Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, Asad Umar and he appeared in the court for securing interim bail. “PTI chairman did not show up because he is in jail,” he said, adding, “He will appear in the court if his production orders are issued.”