MULTAN/ KARACHI: For the estranged Pakistan Muslim League –Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, crossing over to the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) was a nerve-wracking, 48-hour long ordeal.
The former PML-N senior vice president took a flight from Multan to Karachi on Saturday morning, leaving in his wake a slew of surprised party supporters and political observers, and walked into the arms of a beaming Imran Khan.
Hashmi was received in Karachi by the PTI chief and the two made their way to a press conference, where other party leaders, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Jahangir Tareen, flanked their newest colleague.
Hashmi is the third southern Punjab stalwart, after Qureshi and Sikander Bosan, to join the PTI.
‘Unconditional’ crossover
Khan said it was a day of happiness, and that Hashmi had joined the PTI with “no demands and no conditions”.
Hashmi spoke of his admiration for Khan as a cricketer, and said that he had joined PTI on an ideological stance. He said he had spoken for many of the same things as Khan, such as the assets of politicians and lamented that “we are in an era of the demise of accountability”.
Hashmi said he had informed the PML-N of his decision, but said that he had been awake for the previous 48 hours, a sign that negotiations between him and the party had been underway.
“I understand that my supporters are upset. Some of them fell at my feet and cried. But I had to overlook their pain and cross over,” he said.
Establishment label
Hashmi also responded to PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah’s statement that the establishment “hijacked Hashmi”, by saying that the PML-N had actually hijacked him in Lahore and would not let him leave until 2 am. “In Multan, the media hijacked me at 5 am and now I’m here and I haven’t slept for 48 hours.”
Imran Khan said that people needed to prove what support the establishment had given to PTI.
Hashmi did not criticise his former party leader Nawaz Sharif, or Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif. He said the two had always treated him with respect, even when he critiqued Sharif.
Former rivals
Qureshi welcomed his former rival into the party as well.
“This is a new thing in politics that people are thinking above their interests and for a united, prosperous Pakistan.”
He also “welcomed” the statement issued by Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Friday, and said that, “This is a new kind of thought that institutions are being supported. The Chief Justice of Pakistan has also said that the doctrine of necessity has been buried.
“There is no need for extra constitutional measures and PTI will not support this. The current government has dug a hole for itself with the rise in corruption and poor governance,” Qureshi said.
Earlier, at Multan airport, Hashmi dispelled the notion of any friction between former rivals – himself and Qureshi – and said that Qureshi has changed his constituency, and will now contest from Multan city.
What rank?
Khan, however, did not confirm reports that Hashmi will be chief organiser for the PTI. When asked by a reporter if the report was true, Khan dismissed it and reiterated that Hashmi had joined the party without any demands. Qureshi, meanwhile, told The Express Tribuneon Friday that if Hashmi joins, he wouldn’t outrank Qureshi since “he won’t be given a position higher to mine”.
PML-N protests, PTI celebrates
Several PML-N members rallied in Multan, under provincial minister Ahsanuddin Qureshi. The members resorted to aerial firing, and Qureshi claimed that Hashmi never did anything good for the party and his departure was a good riddance. Protests were also organised in Jhang, Sargodha, Layyah, Muzzafargarh, Bahawalnagar and Bahawalpur.
Meanwhile, PTI’s south Punjab wing held demonstrations to celebrate his move.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 25th, 2011.
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COMMENTS (116)
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PTI we love,, we love you Javaid Hashmi.. he made the right decision..
As i praised Hasmi earlier in my first comment, Seriously after watching todays Jalsa , i can say Mr,Hashmi over shined Makdhoom & Imran by his speech. The guy is a philosopher, "Ha ma Baghi Hu" !!! What a moment when he was Roaring in Karachi , from his voice my whole room was vibrating ... True Lion, Mia Saabh lost a true stalwart , who was the first one to hold a General with his Collar when they came to dispose Mia Saab at the time of the coup in PM house. ..Pti seriously has a Lion now , old but still King.
This is a wonderful precedent, we now need some senior leaders of the PPP like Aitzaz Ahsan to join PTI, they have no excuse but to join PTI in this revolution to save the country. We need mahmood Khan Achakzai to come on board as well. This is now time for change. Imran is level headed and eventhough he has had a lota or two like Shahid Akram Bhinder join, he will know how to handle these guys at the time of election. From his earliest times, we can see that he has a track record of doing the right thing and handling any blackmailers or gravy-train riders well and keeping them in check when it is time to give party tickets. He should not worry about the notion of getting electibles on board. He must trust the nation and the revolution and choose the best and fresh people at the time of election tickets distribution, this tsunami will be across the nation, it is not only urban, the revolution is national and for once we are a nation. Beware of ethnic parties today. He is the kaptaan who can manage his team and its fans and its sponsors while winning for Pakistan everyway anyday. May Allah guide him and give him strength and a clear vision. This is now beyond Imran or any single party, this is a revolution by the people who will keep everyone accountable even Imran and now there are more people to sustain this revolution where it can no longer be labelled as a one or two man show.
Same s..., different party?
Are these 'bigwigs' gonna help or hurt Khan? Stay tuned!!!
@Cool Dude: Dreaming is free.
Javed Hashmi for President Imran Khan for Prime Minster !!!
Javed Hashmi for President of Pakistan !!!
one thing I would like to ask Imran Khan?... He said he will bring change in this country.... How can you bring change by having same old faces in your parties which are in assemblies from the last 20-25 years?... Some PTI supporters said if the captain is good then everything will be good... What if the players start dropping catches how the captain would win the game?.... Same old faces but new party?... Are we getting the change which was brought by OBAMA?.... I'm sure no one from the youth will get tickets for the elections and I'm ready to bet on it... Same faces you will see but from the platform of PTI.... We need to change faces in order to bring change not just parties....
@Wajahat Ali: Please check and confirm which constitituency Javed Hashmi was representing in NA. the answer is Multan.
a small step for Hashmi, a big step for PTI and Pakistan iA! :)
I have great respect for Hashmi sb but the truth of the matter is, Hashmi became MNA from Pindi and Lahore on the strength of PMLN. He lost election from his own constituency Multan. He deceived PMLN leadership.respected Hashmi miscalculated this time.I am afraid he will he will be history.
Best Wajahat Ali Gilgit
I don't know if it is his right decision or not as only Allah (all mighty) knows the future but it is a real boost for PTI and real blow for PML-N !! I personally consider Hashmi as the biggest achievement of PTI
I know Jawaid Hashmi as a honest and genuine political worker since 1973. He has a track record of sacrifices and uncompromized political principals. Mian Nawaz Sharif has a dictatorship attitude towards the sincere workers in his party. Crystle clear examples of Hashmi's contribution in MLN.
Led the party in the critical times of Sharif brothers exile during Musharraf regimen. MLN parliamentary leader in 2002-2007 assembly. Accepted prison and not bowed head in front of dominant dictators Butto & Musharraf Winner of 3 NA seats in general election of 2008. Nawaz Sharif ignored him after all his sacrifices and appointed Choudry Nisar as party leader in National Assembly. Why? A very bad example of exploitation of workers right. Nawaz Sharif believes in status co while Imran believes in changing of political evils. PTI is the right forum not only for Hashmi but for other sincere workers of MLN.PTI is the bandwagon now. What set it apart initially was that it was entirely a newcomers' party. I have some faith in Imran Khan's vision, but now it seems like he has no problem filling the ranks with professional politicians whose main aim is popularity and to stay in power. I hope that the PTI's agenda isn't influenced by all the bandwagoners that are joining it now.
@Ch Allah Daad " (JH) He always hid behind big leaders and did nothing except talk"
Really? Tell me who went to jail and who went to Jeddah?
Some other day some one else will be champion of politics and then he will join him. well done Mr. Javed Hashmi.
Dear Hashmi spent eight long years fighting Musharraf and his aides. Now Hashmi will sit with those who had supported Musharraf. I think Hashmi's decision is not wise. He should quit PML-N, if he had differences, he should not join Imran Khan at least.
By the way, where is the revolution part, Mr Khan? Aren't you using the same old tactics as PPP and PML and all other parties with the exception of one small ethnic party. Using the young and poor workers to build a Power Tower and then allotting all the penthouses to the same old landed, privileged elite from a feudal dynasty. Another politician. New packaging. Same old stuff. All the way, deja vu. Imran Khan zindabad. PTI aavey-i-aavey. Tuhadi vaari aavey-I-aavey.
Great decision.
@faraz: why? is it wrong to be pro-army?
I hope old supporters of PTI, do not get ignored as a consquence of unprocessed memberships, Could PTI, when accepting a new entrant or ''electable'' pls give public 5 reasons for taking them in How does an individual with less than a month of membership of PTI could be made vice chairman, Ple explain
In my view the real champion of democracy is javed hashmi and it is the day PTI should be proud of itself to have man like him in their team.whole PML N on one side nd only javed hashmi on the other.i think the real tsunami of change came today.hats off to hashmi sahab
wel come hashmi sb.Pakistan ki tabdeeli k liye ye aik bht bara aur aiham Qadam hai...
Gr8. A big blow for PMLN.
Mr Hashmi you are Jinnah of today's Pakistan. We need sincere people like you. May Allah brings success and happiness in your life. Aameen.
Joining of MJH is worse Example of betrayal, he had lost From Multan and Won Election From Rawalpindi and Lahore on the Account of PMLN. He will never be pardonable for his Voters of Rawalpindi and Lahore. Same Like Sheikh Rasheed with Worst Defeat in 2008 and 2010… !!!!!
My recommendation to MR.Nawaz Sharif is that He should join PTI under the ledearship of Mr. Imran Khan. this will be the biggest gift for the people of Pakistan to a new era.
I think Imran should give chairmanship of the PTI to the Great Hashmi. It will not only give a boost to the party but also it will prove that imran is not a greedy leader. Imran should be thank ful to Hashmi. Peoples have great respect for Hashmi thn Imran
Moving from one party to another is not a big deal, why people are making an issue of it. An't we changing different organizations for mutual growth ?
love it , hope all the good politician come together.
Mixed feelings- being a supporter of PML-N and also a fan of Javed HAshmi does make hard to express my feelings. It will be a end of an era and a demise of PML-N politics in South Punjab.
I Pray for the best person to rule our Country. :Sigh:
Several PML-N members rallied at the Hussain Agahi Chowk in Multan, under provincial minister Ahsanuddin Qureshi. The members resorted to aerial firing, while Qureshi claimed that Hashmi never did anything good for the party and his departure was a good riddance.
The only reason Nawaz Sharif actually had a party to come back to after his exile is Javed Hashmi.
Hashmi sab is a true leader a real hero, his inclusion is a great boost to PTI. I always wanted this and finally this happened Pakistan Zindabad. i pray atizaz ahsan joins PTI too.
He made a right decision. its time to be impersonal... i think its his honesty and loyalty with the nation that he has decided to join when he possessed a good position in PML (N)....
Beginning of the end of PML)N).
Good decision "Towards Strong Pakistan" same time Khan needs to be more careful in welcoming CORRUPT politician.
Another sixer and two wickets with one ball show of Imran. Hopefully PML(N) will get some sense now.
Beginning of the End for PML-N
Nawaz Sharif has been clean bowled!!! He couldnt play imrans dipping inswinger on this ocassion!!! I suggest he needs to talk less and start some practice sessions. Otherwise more inswingers will are coming his way!!
Awsome... Go Anti PTI people hide your face in sand somewhere... Its PTI Era now... and as said by Khan sahab, our own KHI show will be the decicive blow..!
It's as obvious as day. All the landlords that have decided to create a new Saraiki Province have gotten under the banner of PTI
what an excellent addition to PTI. Hashmi a man of his words. I salute u sir.
what an excellent addition to PTI. Hashmi a man of his words. I salute u sir.
We all young Pakistanis are ready to sacrifices for our Pakistan. We are happy to see our honest elders with us...
Good decision! You were a misfit in PML(N).
“Mr.Hashmi” the real heero ...Welcome to PTI.
Thanks Hashmi Sb. Good disigan sir
After a lot of work for PTI in Karachi what I saw is Hashmi sb and other turn coats oldies sitting next to Imran Khan, where is youth ? Is this youth revolution ? I had no affiliation with any other party but PTI. I declare to join the ones who give respect to their Karkuns. MQM. I am not going to PTI jalsa tomorrow, their politics of Iqtedaar has made me feel bad.
Mr."Hashmi” the man of Principles..PTI Welcomes you and needs leaders like you to change Pakistan......Best ot the luck Imran and compnay.
Nawaz just does not have the brains to appreciate something good when he has it. PML-N's loss is PTI's gain.
A good new for the politics of Pakistan. Hope fully Imran and his robust team will steer Pakistan toward better future. This will also expedite the downfall of landlords and wadara politics
I'm worried to see same old faces under new banner ... what is going to change??
What do you expect when one brother is cursing the establishment and the other is cursing the PM for cursing the establishment. Hypocrisy, they name is PML-N
Jawed Hashmi has joined P T I.A positive sign of pti s popularity. Imran khan nation has decided to trust you.Please get ready to release the nation from the clutches of vip culture,family politics,corruption,nepotism and injustice.Come on Imran khan dont let us down, we are with you.Let us all together make our lovely home land like a heaven on earth . Pakistan Zindabad.
Javed hashmi is a HAMA of kingdom & flying now around head of Imran’s head, but some else things too which should be kept in mind may be bitter but truth. A few months ago he apologised to the nation by being a part of Zia’s cabnet. Now his act proves apologise for Nawaz’s part. When he will apologise again & what about demand for his son in law N tickit.
Huhhhhhhhhhh. What a kind of we people…………… sad + bad
Javed hashmi is a HAMA of kingdom & flying now around Imran’s head, but some else things too which should be kept in mind may be bitter but truth. A few months ago he apologised to the nation by being a part of Zia’s cabnet. Now his act proves apologise for Nawaz’s part. When will he apologise again & what about demand for his son in law N tickit.
Huhhhhhhhhhh. What a kind of we people…………… sad + bad
Hashmi Saheb, I have the highest respect for you. If you have decided to join Imran Khan, there is a great future ahead of us. Wonderful and heartening news. A big blow for all corrupt politicians who think Pakistan is their property to plunder and destroy as they please.
I think everyone would agree (all political parties) that Hashmi has been a clean politician and I don't think it was a sudden decision because if you remember he also attended the Drone Dharana tekhreek insaaf gave in KP a while back when he was still a member of PML (N). Besides that he has always said on record that he has a soft corner for Imran Khan.
It's a very good addition to PTI and maybe says a thing or two about this 'dynasty politics' or 'monarchy' set up PML (N) or PPP are based upon which even the older politicians are getting tired of. I think it may do good in revolutionising the political parties and if that can happen then true democracy can flow within parites then I can only see Pakistan politics better with time.
All the best to PTI..... :)
P.S: No disrespect to my PML/PPP brothers/sisters regarding my above comment.
R.I.P ( 23-12-2011)... PML (N)
Now it should be very much clear that , change is just around the corner . Pakistanis have decided to rise . Great decision .
PML had sidelines Javed Hashmi for years. Even Nawaz Sharif had a very rude attitude towards him. Gotta say out of all the political heavy weights in PTI he is only the credible one.
I don't agree to the part of report regarding ticket issuance to son in law , shows either bias or ignorance of reporter . PML - N mindset is authoritarian . Good decision Mr Hashmi .. People are expecting bigger and significant input from you towards national politics and consolidation .
"Hashmi" the man of Principles...infact the most repectful inclusion in PTI till now. And wot rubbish that "Hashmi had given his party an ultimatum that if his son-in-law Zahid Bihar Hashmi was not given a party ticket, he would join the PTI". Hashmi is such a precious jewl for PLMN that even many tickets wouldn't be costly for them. ET I'm sure its a base less information even allegation???
PML-N now becomes a party of GT Road in reality. and that too within the limits of Punjab. They have lost the only hope in southern Punjab. If Khawaja Sa'ad Rafique reverses his decision of postponing Good-Bye to MNS and join hand with IK, it would cause a big blow to PML-N. Very sad.
Bravo Hashmi Bravo
Javed Hashmi is a brave man. He faced the tyranny of Musharraf's regime and yet other people enjoyed the fruits of his hard work. PML-N leaders never acknowledged the courage that he showed when they themselves were living in exile.
God Speed to you Hashmi Sb.
Best of Luck IMRAN KHAN Now success is yours because a a real ,sincere,and a true leader (JAVED HASHMI) has suppored u,
Many old faces joining PTI, the so called symbol of change. I have my doubts especially when I see people like Kasuri joining who was part of Musharraf team. The nation hates Mushrraf. I don't like them to hate Imran Khan.
Iftikhar gilani and now javed hashmi .pti zindabad Pakistan paindabad.
Chaudhry Aitaza Ahsan Sab, you are neighbor of Imran Khan in Lahore, What are you waiting for, yes, yes, yes come on please don't think too much come in.
Nation is waiting you Mr. Aitzaz please come in.
all should take oath by placing their hand on Quran and state that in presents of Allah and Quran who are the witnesses prsent I will abide by constitution and will not allow any one including my relatives to harm Pakistan's interest. At all the places of prayers it should be prayed that as we seek protection from mrtdud shaitan Allah may protct Pakistan from Pakistan harmers Allah may punish them in present life and life after.
Super... I can just say WoW to Mr. Hashmi.. Allah may grant you success and good health and give you a chance to serve the nation.
Ch. Allah Dad and Realist, where are you
Hasmi was a sincere worker of PML-N. Sharif brothers always disregarded him due to his threatening and strong stature in PML-N. Bringing up Ch. Nisar instead of him was another stupidty of sharifs. He had sacrificed alot for PNL-N. Hope he gets on the right foot for improving Pakistan.
He has just made a biggest fan following now...Welldone Javed Hashmi..!!
Snunami is getting momemtum
Very soon Mian Sb will also join PTI alongwith Altaf Hussain..
I think it's good time for Nawaz Sharif also to Join the PTI. Let Shabaz Shrif and Choudhris from Gujrat to fight over this leftover PML thing. I hope Mr. Hashmi changes his behavior also not only the party. And I'm also hoping Imran sticks to his fundamentals and won't be swayed by these professional politicians.
Nazir Naji is saying that PPP will election in 2013 and PTI is establishment party. Is Naji a lifafa journalist.
Hashmi a picture of truth , uprightiousness and honesty.A rare breed in contemporary times.
I hope his addition to PTI is fruitful not just to the party but the real deal.... PAKISTAN
Pakistan is marching towards better future. InshaAllah! Another proof of Imran's magnetic leadership.
The lion heart. Welcome Javed Hashmi. If PTI finds people like Javed Hashmi, we don't need to induct crooks. GO PTI GO
A dozen of Qureshi's and Kasuri's on one side and only one Javed Hashmi on the other side. Javed Hashmi sacrificed some beautiful years of his life by being illegally detained in jail. And his joining the PTI will also block Musharraf's way in joining PTI. This is a really good news.
i am critics of PTI but inclusion of mr hasmi is great booster to them . Now PTI clearly in the race for PM slot . 100 shah mehmmod + 100 tarin = one hasmi it is big lose to PLM-n .It is possibility of big migration of people from pml to pti specially people who did not like arrogant of sharif family .
the only one Clean nd real politicain got by PTI...m not a supporter of PTI but want to congratulate PTI supporters for entry of Hash,i..:)
If Hashmi was a man of personal interest, he wouldn't have served jail for so many years. He always had an option to compromise.
Diamond of PML-N's necklace drifted, its time to go with the right flow my Pakistani Patriot Brothers
start of the process of change in Pakistan
He is the first man to enter PTI who can’t be termed a pro army politician
Mr. Hashmi..hope u would be a real "Karkun" of PTI...!!
Mashallah....Finally change in the right direction is coming to Pakistan...where intellectual political parties are finally arising........
Its a great decision by hashmi sahab. Keep it up very good dicision PTI needs leaders like you. wish u best of luck. PAKISTAN ZINDABAD.
Welcome to the force, sir jee!
Gud decision and big boost to PTI........
here are some imp quotations from hashmi's speech in NA this april...
“It was a mistake that I joined the Ziaul Haq cabinet and I apologise to the nation for committing this sin, despite the advise of my own father,”
“If you spend Rs10 billion on Raiwind Road, people in other areas will certainly object.”
“How would Lahore solve the problems of far-flung areas of Punjab when it could not resolve its own problems.”
“Punjab is dear to us but Pakistan is dearer to us than Punjab”.
“If anyone wants to become a leader he should not keep money outside Pakistan,” he said. “If he wants to keep money in foreign countries he should not get into politics. The nation needs leaders ready to make scarifies for the country.”
Well come hashmi
Good decision by Javed Hashmi and a big win for PTI!
Welcome Mr. Hashmi to PTI..the party that will bring change inshallah under the leadership of Imran Khan!!!1
It's Awesome Emerging change in Pakistan with PTI Javed Hashmi has taken a brave decision its time to come forward for the betterment of OUR PAKISTAN.
Now who says PTI is being supported by establishment?
PML-N has been un-fair and even rude to him. Good decision.........
What rubbish... that if his son-in-law Zahid Bihar Hashmi was not given a ticket... if that's what would've kept Javed Hashmi in PML-N, they would've given tickets to all his family plus a lot more. PML-N damage control set in motion.