Javed Hashmi is still the president of PTI: Shah Mehmood Qureshi

PTI vice chairman says government is non-serious about a resolution of the impasse, has yet to provide a written reply

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Thursday that Javed Hashmi is still the party’s president despite his recent spat with Imran Khan.

While speaking to Express News, Qureshi explained Imran Khan’s statement regarding Hashmi's expulsion from the PTI and said difference in path means there is a gap in our ideologies.

“One joins a party on a similar ideology, philosophy and manifesto,” he said.

However, he added that Hashmi has been served a show cause notice. "Till the process is complete, Hashmi will remain PTI's president."

Qureshi's comments came after the PTI President had a public spat with the party chief Imran Khan as they took their protest from D-Chowk to Pakistan Secretariat.

No delay from our side

Regarding the ongoing talks between the government and PTI to resolve the current political impasse, Qureshi said there was no delay from their side, rather it was the government who was dragging matters.

“We’ve had six meetings till now and we presented our proposal [8-page draft] to Ishaq Dar four days ago,” he said, before adding that “we were promised a written answer to our demands by 2pm on Thursday, but so far there is nothing.”

The PTI vice chairman said there while they are keen on negotiations, verbal agreements have no importance. “Serious negotiations are always in writing and not verbal.”

He said that there was one set of negotiations behind closed doors, and another in front of the media where point scoring was being carried out.

Qureshi though admitted that discussions took place on heads of key government department like Nadra chief, FIA director and ECP secretary and that it was on the suggestion of PTI since these departments were key for investigation of the elections.

When asked if the prime minister’s resignation was necessary in the event an independent inquiry commission was formed, Qureshi this was debatable in the light of Pakistan’s history with chief executives influencing probes.

“The Session Court, as well as the Lahore High Court ordered for an FIR against CM Shahbaz in Model Town case but the FIR was not lodged because the chief executive did not want it to,” he said.

We believe that if independent and non-controversial personnel are appointed as chiefs of institutions, it will be positive and their presence will boost our confidence. However, our history shows that the chief executive can interfere and has been doing it. They have been amending the Constitution by naming specific people.”

But he later added that they will not ignore the Parliament's message and if the government has a clear conscious to find a way in writing that does not involve the prime minsiter's resignation, then that will be acceptable.

We suggested that an experts committee should be formed that seeks solicitation from all parties since it would be difficult for a 33-member parliamentary to agree on one draft, Qureshi said. “This draft can then be presented and voted in the parliament.”

He suggested that a sufficient number of constituencies be probed in a month’s time.

Chinese president not coming because of political uncertainty

Responding to allegations that Chinese president’s visit to Pakistan which was reportedly postponed due to the PTI and PAT sit-in in Islamabad, Qureshi said it was not because of the PTI protest, rather it government’s unreasonable and stubborn attitude.

“Yesterday we came out clear that we understand the importance of Pak-China relations and are not creating any hurdles for his tour,” he said. “We will welcome the Chinese President by showering him with rose petals, clear the streets and not create any hurdles.”

“Our quarrel is not with the Chinese, they are our friends.”

Qureshi claimed that security is not the issue, it is the uncertainty regarding Nawaz Sharif.

PTI against Army’s intervention in politics

When asked about Army’s intervention in politics, he said the PTI was against any such intervention and refuted reports of any collusion.

The PTI vice chairman said in fact it was the incumbent government which invited the military to intervene but later backtracked.

He [PM Sharif] himself requested the army chief for facilitation, and or mediation but after pressure from Opposition leader Khurshid Shah and Achakzai, there was a u-turn,” he said. “When we pressed for clarification, it was the ISPR which issued a statement and not the government.”

Army never wanted to create hurdles in way of democracy but the government requested them to interfere, added Qureshi. “Are they [government] willing to undermine the institution”?

When questioned if the PTI will take back resignations of party lawmakers once the impasse ends, Qureshi said it was for Imran Khan to decide and any decision by him would be accepted.

“This will be decided by Imran Khan,” he said. “We have given an authority to the chairman, and will accept his judgment.”