PTI insists on judicial probe into ‘conspiracy letter’

The PTI does not recognise the commission of this government, says Shah Mehmood Qureshi

ISLAMABAD:

Rejecting once again the government’s announcement of the formation of an inquiry commission on the ‘conspiracy letter’, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Friday, his party demanded a commission formed by the chief justice of Pakistan.

In a statement, Qureshi stressed that the PTI did not trust the present government because of its previous record. “We favour the commission but it must be formed by the chief justice of Pakistan and he should also set its TORs [terms of reference],” the former foreign minister said.

Qureshi criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Maryam Nawaz, saying that she even did not acknowledge a National Security Council (NSC) meeting convened by her party’s government. In the meeting, the point of view of the Pakistani ambassador concerned was also heard, he added.

“The PTI does not recognise the commission of this government. Its previous record is such that no one can trust the government,” he said. “We are in favour of the commission but that commission should be formed by the chief justice and he makes it TORs,” he added.

According to Qureshi, the PTI had already proposed seven-point TORs, which could be considered by the chief justice. “The formation of the commission [by the government] is a proof that there is a case that needs to be investigated.”

Qureshi said that people were listening to Imran Khan and acknowledging his narrative. “According to the government spokespersons, Imran Khan had lost his popularity but if that was the case, then how come a large number of people are coming to the PTI rallies,” he said.