Shah Mahmood Qureshi joins PTI
Addressing a rally of around 40,000 people, Qureshi announced that he was joining the party which was "working towards justice and change". The former foreign minister announced that he would be attending the PTI rally in Karachi on December 25.
End of live updates
5:45pm
Shah Mahmood Qureshi joins the PTI.
"I join the party that is working towards justice and change...I am now part of Imran Khan's party."
Qureshi announces he will join the Karachi rally.
"Will I see Sindhi topis and Ajraks at the Karachi rally?"
Qureshi also said that Pakistan's nuclear program is not safe as long as Asif Ali zardari is in power. He said he would speak on this further at the PTI's Karachi rally.
Qureshi blasts Zardari and the PPP, claims Benazir Bhutto would never have run the country like it is being run now.
5:30pm
Qureshi outlines major issues in Pakistanis economic situation and in the education, agriculture sector.
Qureshi says the youth of today is looking towards Imran Khan because he is looking for a new solution to Pakistan’s problems.
“I ask you, is it time to get rid of these [political] crooks? Are you with me?”
5:20pm
Qureshi says his path changed when he refused to “sell Pakistani blood” in the Raymond Davis issue.
“In front of Kayani and Zardari both, I said, here is my resignation.”
Qureshi says his second major step was deciding his future political affiliation and leave the National Assembly.
“A new wind of change will come from Khyber to Karachi” says Qureshi.
“Pakistan ka matlab kya? La Illaha Illalah” shouts Qureshi as he leads a rallying cry.
5:15pm
Shah Mahmood Qureshi addresses the Ghotki rally.
The former PPP stalwart says this is the start of great change in the country.
“I know there are many watching this rally…Asif Zardari is watching this rally from Islamabad. Zardari said Shah Mahmood Qureshi would not hold a rally or enter Sindh. Today we have shown him Sindh is owned by Sindhis.”
5:05pm
Imran Khan speaks upon arrival at Ghotki.
He formally invites Shah Mahmood Qureshi to join the PTI again -- terms Qureshi a "clean candidate" worthy of PTI.
"I wish to say from the PTI's side, that we are not a family-based party. Whoever works hard for the party will rise. Imran Khan's children will not rule over this party."
Commenting on the Nato attack that killed 24 Pakistanis, Khan said it was time to stop the US War on Terror.
"We have no idea where this war will lead, and neither do the Americans" says Khan.
The PTI Chairman urged the government to pursue the killing of Pakistani soldiers with the UN.
“It is time to make a new plan, a new direction for Pakistan…one of justice. Our tsunami cannot be stopped by any political party. This tsunami which has reached Sindh will reach Karachi on December 25, and then I will teach people how to drop two wickets with one ball.”
4:50pm
PTI Chairman Imran Khan has arrived at the Ghotki rally. He is being seated next to Shah Mahmood Qureshi on-stage.
Large caravans loaded with PTI supporters are showing up for the Ghotki rally as well.
Marvi Memon is also joining the rally shortly. Her latest tweets read:
marvi_memon
Welcome at sindh border by pti sindh team n pti sindh prez Naeem
marvi_memon
Dawntv seems to have broken a news that I havnt even decided on. Interesting! anyway we r enroute the jalsa. Ghotki c u soon
4:00pm
Express 24/7 correspondent Owais Jafferi reported that about 20,000 supporters have gathered in Ghotki, while more caravans are en route to the venue.
Around 5,000 Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) workers have already showed up to support Qureshi and are chanting slogans such as “Long live Imran Khan!”.
Supporters from as far as Balochistan have come to attend the rally in Sindh.
Prominent leaders Mir Mumtaz Bhutto and Ghinwa Bhutto have also been invited to attend the rally.
Background
Sindh President of Pakistan PTI Naeemul Haq sais that party chief Imran khan will also attend the rally in Ghotki. He said that a large number of PTI workers would also attend and his party’s flags would be displayed prominently during the public meeting, hoping that it will be a “mixed show of supporters of Qureshi and the PTI”.
The former Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stalwart has also conveyed his decision to both Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif and PTI chief Imran Khan and has asked PTI to join his gathering in Ghotki. Qureshi’s close friend and member of PML-N Asghar Ali Rind informed Sharif of his final decision.
Sources also said that Shah Mehmood Qureshi made his decision after two days of consultation with friends inside and outside the country, who “strongly recommended” it.
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COMMENTS (121)
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Creation of another false hope for suffering people of Pakistan.
@duaa go amreeki: Sir... thank you for support and prayers. Yes, I am a proud Pakistani Hindu, and yes yes, you don't need to apologise on any one's behalf dear. I simply ignored that comment. =)
Shooting the messenger - poor @Tanzeel. He is highlighting the attitude of SMQ and what SMQ said. SMQ going to held power and will hold power in future - His attitude is one should be concerned. With Musharaff saying Dawood is revered in Pakistan and SMQ quotes I am wondering what class of leaders pakistan is getting. God bless you.
"Shah Mehmood Qureshi stated in his speech that he is Mehmood Ghaznavi who is going to shatter Somnath."
On one hand Imran claims he will protect minorities in Pakistan. On the other hand, he welcomes leaders who are so hateful. A little bit of contradiction there.
Tanzeel was just bringing SMQ's words to people's attention so that people see the true face of Qureshi.
@Pathfinder: haha indeed! cherry on the pie!
nawazz shareef now you should realize that your rude attitude is your problem.
@ Tanzeel: I think we should respect all the religions. You should not use someone's words for degrading others religions.
This is the pakistani politics that there is no political thoery there is all leaders have salefe interest
@Pakistani Muslim: Sir, your comment actually made my day. Am glad that there are people like you who speak up for right. I am sure PTI will not cold-shoulder any minorities of Pakistan, I have full trust in Imran Khan.. he's our nation's last hope. But yes... thank you soo much for your supportive comment dear. =)
PTI-Q on the way........
I anticipate it will be hard for PTI to cater the power-hidden-wishes of SMQ. He will try to shadow the main figures of PTI who've remained with Khan from the day first. SMQ will definately demand for more!
a great achievement of great imran khan.. we are all with you sir
@Tanzeel: Brother i am a PTI worker and i did not like your comment even you used it for metaphor , better to seek an apology.
Great addition to PTI .. now we are another step closer to bringing change in our country !! Love IK Love Pakistan !!
namastae bro pakistani hindu i hope you are truly a hindu --my faith of islam must spread love to all esp. minorities in pakistan ! i truly apologise to you if anyone caused you hurt !! duaaz for all esp hindus & other monorities long live pakitan & imran khan duaa go amreeki
to be expected. an army man joining the army's party.
Clean as a whistle and brand spanking new! It is the rebirth of the religious leader who has been jumping from one party to the other party. The people of Sind know that on election time many new faces come over with the new garbs. It is these pirs and feudal those are keeping Sind and Sariki belt as the poorest in the nation. Changing parties does not change the plight of the people under these pirs and feudal.
Great great move by SMQ, Inshaa Allah PTI wil clean sweep
If at all, I repeat if at all parliamentary elections, due in 2013, are held in pakistan, Imran Khan's PTI will lead all other political parties. PML-N's status will be: 'Also ran'. Hello ZAC (Imran's former brother-in-law) of Richmond, you listen: Keep the money, you bet, ready for Imran Khan who will be Pakistn's next prime minister.
good news for pti & pakistan!
Qureshi says he is coming to destroy Somnath Temple. Think what might happen if someone would have same about other religious place!
PTI a new Q-league.......change
Imran Khan is great leader for a greater Pakistan. Allah bless him and all Pakistanis are withe him
@Ali Hasan: All political parties should respect the need of time it is to strengthen the elements which speak language of comon pakistani ... political difference and alliance is to benefit masses ... the professional approach is to join and it will be easy to get their ppl interest protected.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi used to tell us about American sincerity in helping Pakistan and now he is harping a different tune. I am not sure whether he was lying when he was Foreign Minister or now?
poor NS ... !!! waiting for SMQ . .??? but table turned ,,, ,, ,,LOL
Zia-ul-Haq to Nawaz Sharif to benazir to Zardari to Imran khan!
Qureshi's TREND!!! ;)
SMQ welcome to the party of change. Now PTI should concentrate on interior sindh.
SMQ joining PTI is big news for PTI. If he had joined PMLN, it would have been just a news. Much could be said about SMQ's decision but I for one am glad he abstained from joining PMLn because now, only now it has become clear to those neutral minds swayed by IK's fancy words whether he is playing in the hands of the establishment or not.
This will only consolidate the PMLn voter and a greater turn out in the elections as a result of it.
Establishment WILL loose this one!
Though i believe Shah Mehmood is an opportunist. He found things going wrong only when he didnt get his ministry. If PTI is taking landlords like him, then PTI is same like others! My hopes are only with APML
this is good thing for PTI and bad for ZARDARI,,,,shahmehmood qureshi has great influence in interior sindh he will be dangerous for PPP and shahmahmood has very nice speech power after bhutto,,,, i am really very happy to see him in PTI and hope that IMRAN should come in the power because he is the only and last hope for pakistan.
haha, shame on the people who claimed and abuses SMQ that he will join PLM(N) not PTI.Now those people will surely bow to him. What a shame to a comment makers.lolz
Best news for Pakistan in years. Let us pull together and get these thieves out and change our country for the better.
I think nobody (especially PTI kids) really understood tanzeel's sarcasm.
@faraz: He, SMQ has not condemned NATO attack so far and he is dreaming to conquer Somnath Temple. I am sure he is sleeping and dreaming otherwise if he is awake he would have condemned NATO attack.
@ Pakistan Hindu
I know this sounds unnecessary, but unfortunately in such an environment there is always a tendency for such comments to be taken seriously.. I urge you to ignore such pathetic and instigating comments.. All minorities are equal citizens, and although I have supported PTI for many years, I would certainly be the first one to go against it, if it cannot ensure minority rights (its ironic however that even the majority is deprived of their rights at the moment).. I hope that the leadership also refrains from using instigating phrases in future.
From PML......to PPP................to PTI............to????
MQM or JUI or PML (Q) or Tehreek-e- Musharaff? Watch this space.
Yes you are right....and by the way any history student would know who Mahmoud ghaznavi actually was...a foreign invader who would come here every year after wheat crop and loot all the wealth and go back and return next year only for more loot@Pakistani Hindu:
SMQ is wise-man, Very good decision.
@Tanzeel: and what bothered you to reiterate it here? Please, be careful next time you post anything, it may hurt someone's feelings. Thanks.
PTI 1-PMLN 0-PPP-000-PMLQ00
@Disgusted: Yes !! Big word that !! EVIDENCE !! Well check the list of beneficiaries of NRO !!! If one is clean, than rest assure their name would not be on that list ! The answer lies there, as for the Pakistani obsession with big word as they have never acted or taken actions based on evidence !!!!
Great comment saad... This is the point. If Pakistan survives(I mean strengthens...otherwise Pakistan will survive inshallah.. But I mean a strong Pakistan), only then agencies can exploit Pakistan...so at least if pti comes in to power, it will take five years or so for army to start playing with political system again. And who knows that Pakistan becomes so strong that even military won't contemplate any adventure anymore ( a wishful thought anyway). Go IK go.
@Sindhvoice: @THE: Aawww... thank you so much for your support.. I already ignored his remarks. THanks alot really I hope you that you keep speaking up for minorities and the under-represented. Lots of love =)
that is a great victory of imran khan must imran gujrat
Muaaaaaaaaaah SMQ!
@Pakistani Hindu: These are not my words, this is what Shah Mehmood Qureshi has uttered during his speech.
A wise decision by SMQ! There is no credibility of any political party nationwide. Everyone is cor/daku!
@shehzad niazi: lolz, he has joing Kaptaan
PTI was already emerging as Major force in Punjab and KPK but
Now PTI will blossom in Sindh as well
Shah Mehmood Joined and Marvi Memon will join in few days
Shah Mehmood will also convince Mumtaz Bhutto and Fatima Bhutoo to be in Alliance with PTI and hence PTI will emerge as Strong Force
@hedgefunder: Please provide some proof of your disgusting allegations otherwise its better not to say anything at all. I always see negative comments from you on these pages. You must have been really bad abused when you were young!
@Pakistani Hindu
Shah Mehmood Qureshi stated in his speech that he is Mehmood Ghaznavi who is going to shatter Somnath.
@Pakistani Hindu:
Bro, you are as Patriotic and pure Pakistani as any one else is.Pls don't mind any derogatory remarks from any narrow minded person.Pls ignore them.
Well Mr Qureshi has indeed joined the PTI but the question again is that why are the other leaders not going and joining the PTI or the PML-N? The best amongst them are Faisal Hayat,Raza rabbani,Amir muqam and Ahmed Mukhtar.Why aren't these people going and joining the G-2(PTI or PML-N)? That's is a big question.It's what they call a 'million-dollar' question.
Funny, i thought IK said he did not want anyone to join him who were not clean cut!!!!! Well this guy is seriously tainted and does carry baggage regarding ill gotten gains too ! So what happened to that policy????
its a good news about SMQ join PTI... My best wishes are with them SMQ & Imran Khan for making better pakistan... :)
Woo Hoo...
Congrats SMQ, You've won our hearts once again ... Very brave move to join PTI.
Thanks to Khan of Pakistan who's convinced him on his party's agenda.
Long Live Khan of Pakistan
&
Long Live PAKISTAN !!!
Yay... wish u good luck Imran.
its good news SMQ joins PTI... my best wishes with SMQ & Imran Khan for the betterment of pakistan..... :)
i also want change in Pakistan but i fear if Imran breaks trust of youth, then ......??????
@Freeman:
IK is no doubt honest and upright political figure but history tells us that making and breaking of political parties and governments have been hall mark of intelligent agencies, which is INFACT not their JOB.This is duty of AWAM to elect or reject any party or government not of agencies.
PTI is rising as viable alternate of PPP and PMLN, both parties have disappointed people in many ways, but PTI should use power of people instead of Agencies to come into power and be replacement of PPP and PMLN.
Any engineered mission or party would eventually fail sooner or later.As well wisher of PTI, I suggest them to believe in people's power than any one else.
SMQ alone do not have huge vote bank to win seats but what happen that these people start lobbying for more electables and this is what SMQ will do for PTI in Sindh.
Yet ANOTHER FEUDAL LORD turncoat Joins PTI. The Revolution of turncoats is coming!
It looks like that PTI Chairman Imran Khan has become an emerging force to put Pakistan on the right track and this is one of the reasons that Shah Mahmood Qureshi has joined PTI.
I can see that with few exceptions, nation seems to be standing behind Imran Khan to build a new Pakistan.
I wish PTI and its sincere workers to work according to the wishes and desire of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and build Pakistan as the Quaid-e-Azam wanted to see in his life time.
Though I am in Karachi at the moment, but in the forthcoming elections, my vote is for PTI.
PTI means Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf and every one is going to have Insaf when Imran Khan will become the next Prime Minster of Pakistan.
Dear Khan Sahib and all old colleagues,
Congratulations, Now I believe that the movement is going on the right track. This is the time that we all take active participation in the PTI at all level.
@ Tanzeel: I am sure it was a metaphor! Learn to respect other people's religion or they will not respect yours!
Waaaw........ Fate of NS is sealed.............Sorry for PML-N lovers.
It means Establishment, Revolutionaries and Corrupts have joined hands against Nawaz Sharif.
@tehmina agha: PTI is different with its strong, honest, brave and stainless Leadership.
Leadership brings change. Imran Khan will put this country on the right track.
@Sindhvoice: A stupid narrow minded only beleive this. What extablishment can give Maximum to Imran Khan?????
Prime Ministership maximum??? He had already got chance in Musharrafs time and refused to be a prime Minister under establishement.
People of Pakistan will elect Imran khan as a Prime Minister. He is brave, honest and powerful leader.
Woooow,the last nail has been put in Zardari's league. Bye Zardari League
Begining of end of PTI. The party has crashed before take off.
my sincere duaa with ayat al kursee for our maalik to keep sher delear imran safe from all things & people bad--aameen.pakistan zindabad.a new hope !
I was very much confident about his this decision. Love being seen u together. Goa a head, bundles of wishes & warm welcome here in Karachi.
@Pakistani Hindu: Get ready Shah Mehmood Qureshi is coming to break Somnath Temple. (as he claimed)
What happened to PTI's stand of saying no to dynastic and feudal politics?
Well, not too surprised to read abt the induction of Shah Mehmood Qureshi, my serious concern as a citizen of Pakistan to Mr Imran Khan is why is he strengtning PTI with rejected individuals of the existing ruling political parties, how can he or any one in PTI assure its citizens that PTI wont be any different from the existing so called corrupt party.
Pakistan: Is pay dil qurban is pay jaan bhi qurban hai.
Main Akayla hi chalaa tha manzil ki Janib Loog miltay gayae our kafilaa bantaa gayaa
Long Live Pakistan Long Live Pakistani People Long Live Imran Khan Long Live Honest and Brave politicians Long Live Shah Mehmood Quereshi sb
Please work for the betterment of Pakistan. Get your vote registered and cast in favor of Imran Khan to bring change in the country.
Wish, Mushahid Hussain, Marvi Memon, Aitzaa Ahsan, think of joining PTI's caravan of revolution and change.
Boom Boom Must join PTI :-D
just pressed the like tab on SMQ official Facebook page!
Big news for PTI and will support in Sind.
great Sha Mehmood Qurshi .... Yu showed that you are great Leader
Tehreek Insaaf hijacked by Shah Mehmood Qureshi. I wonder who will be the leader of PTI, Khan or Qureshi?
Dear Express Tribune,
I wish you had common sense. This jalsa happened in SINDH, then why the news is planted in the PUNJAB section? Not being racist, but when something happens in ROME, you tell it is ROME and not SICILY!
Hellz Yeah! SMQ I admire your decision.,.
lets see what SMQ, a very honorable man does in this perfectly taliban initiative (pti), a party with the head who say things in the evening of the same day which are 180 angle of what he would say in the morning. And above all he calls a war in which our own sons and brothers are killed, as the war of america ??? : SMQ partying ways with the PPP was a big lose, not to the party but to the nation and now this joining of the monsieur is utterly illogical, but i still have a lot of respect for SMQ and some how many like me still believe he won't become a part of en-thrwoning of IK by the establishment/deep state of this luckless country.
@Sindhvoice: Why fear your our 'agencies'? Good or bad, they know that they are non-existent without Pakistan.
Tsunami has reached Sind. Be part of it and get swept away !!!
Grett News
well done SMQ.
If PTI remains Pakistan Tahreek Insaaf, It is acceptable to every Pakistan but if it turns out to be " Pakistan Tahreek Intelligence (engineered) agencies", then it would be one of the biggest blow to democracy. It will be repeation of IJI kind alliance once again to counter PPP and PMLN.
Congratsss All pakistanis, Shah Mehmood Qureshi Joins PTI. Oh God, great news
Inshalah, We are looking for a big revolution in Pakistan. Qureshi will join PTI, You all will hear this Breaking News on all Pakistani news channels. I request all Pakistanis and especially youth to start struggles for a great and a new Pakistan. Pakistan is haven on Earth. If we failed today, so never think, that our country will gain success in near future in the field of education, trade,
@Adeel Ahmed: yay.... he joins PTI... love you SMQ... Jiye sindh dharti... Jiye Pakistan..
Finally SMQ joins PTI!!! Go PTI GOOO!!! :)
Thank you for the live coverage. I have been away from Pakistan for 30+ years and it is the first time I feel my veiws are being echoed by PTI ans Shah Qureshi. Thank you again tribune for serving the Pakistanis who cannot be at ghotki.
only a stupid can think, SHQ is joining any other party.... i feel bad for all those media commentators who tried they best to make it a quiz, better luck next time :)
you mean IK the saviour is joining?
I think shah mehmood quresh has no need to join PTI because he himself is a party. I think he must design and promote his own party for pakistan's prosperity.
@Pakistani Hindu: Hi, Could you please explain than what will be his plan or which party he will join?
I think SMQ is going to form his own political party. But let me assure we're with you Mr. Khan.
HE will join PMLN IN SHAA ALLAH
@Pakistani Hindu: Wish, Imran Khan & SQM enter into merely a strategic political alliance. PTI should continue with its solo flight to avoid fusion of feudalism to their urban, working class movement. I as a PTI fan will welcome this option instead of SQM joing as a senior PTI officials superceding the PTI stalwart who were there with the PTI in the most difficult phase.
me 2. but I hope we are wrong.
SO what need to be fear? it is his decision and dont expect him to join PTI
It'd be hilarious if SMQ declares at the rally that he's joining PMLN.
Imran Khan is great leader for a greater Pakistan. Allah bless him and all Pakistanis are withe him.
I have this fear that SMQ will not join PTI.. ??