Take money from PPP, vote for PTI, says Qureshi

The Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has asked the spiritual followers of his Ghousia Jamaat to vote for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the elections even if their votes are bought off by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Addressing a huge rally of the supporters of PTI and Ghousia Jamaat in Umerkot on Thursday, Qureshi said some influential people associated with his Jamaat are selling their loyalties to the PPP.

"I want to give you this freedom that you get money from them [Pakistan Peoples Party] but give your vote to PTI, to Imran Khan," he said. "This is a formula for the proud people of Umerkot and Tharparkar to follow."

He said it is the right time for anyone who wants to switch loyalty for money because PPP is on a buying spree. He added that he has been watching some of his former loyalists standing in the left and right of the PPP's lawmakers in Umerkot and Tharparkar.

Read: PPP created Urdu, Sindhi divide: Qureshi

He reiterated that the people associated with Ghousia Jamaat should be courageous and loyal enough to remain committed the Jamaat and PTI even if the PPP's leaders pay the price for their defection. Qureshi said he was informed that PPP local leaders wield power and wealth and that the common people of Umerkot and Tharparkar cannot dare resist them.

He added that he is told the people of this city are suppressed and that they cannot rise up to confront the PPP. "By saying such things friends tried to disappoint me a lot." However, Qureshi gave reference of the battle of Karbala in which Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions gave sacrifice of their lives but did not surrender before the mighty army of Yazeed and asked his followers to remain steadfast.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2022.