The ‘tsunami’ of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, it appears, is hurting his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) more than anybody else.
In what could be a blow for the party’s rising popularity, PTI’s newly appointed Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi has developed serious differences with Imran over his ‘unilateral decision’ to boycott last month’s by-elections.
Qureshi’s home constituency Multan, his only apparent political asset, was taken away by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s son. The former foreign minister fears the future elections would now be an uphill task for him.
The premier’s son, Ali Musa Gilani, literally had a walkover in the by-polls for the National Assembly by beating a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate with a margin of over 50,000 votes in the constituency.
Sources close to both Imran and Qureshi told The Express Tribune on Monday that both leaders had exchanged harsh words over what Qureshi said was a ‘unilateral decision’ made without consulting other party members.
Some PTI leaders say Qureshi is angry at Imran for letting Gillani’s son win the seat without a contest. They say the relationship between him and the PTI chief were so tense that Qureshi was contemplating parting ways and contesting the upcoming general elections as an independent candidate.
A member of his family, wishing not to be named, said Qureshi sometimes regrets his decision of choosing the PTI over PML-N. PTI officials said the former minister, who had considerable experience of parliamentary and constituency politics, had been trying to convince Imran not to stay away from the polls.
“You need to be in the system to change it,” sources quoted Qureshi as telling Imran, who has been calling himself a harbinger of change.
However, they said Imran was adamant on his decision of boycotting the by-elections.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 6th, 2012.
COMMENTS (221)
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Only one party is so organized.i.e mqm.
and no discrimination of any one.
eid milad un nabi bhi aur christian ki christmis bhi.yani koi discrimination nahin.
Express Tribune - watch and learn. Don't embarass yourself more by spreading lies.
http://www.zemtv.com/2012/03/12/islamabad-tonight-shah-mehmood-qureshi-12th-march-2012/
Imran Khan should learn from MQM, how their top leader not interested to become PM, but run his party success, Imran Khan one man show , can not go long way
http://www.insaf.pk/News/tabid/60/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10301/Shah-Mahmood-Qureshi-fully-backs-by-election-boycott-by-PTI-Terms-rumors-as-baseless.aspx
Express Tribune has breached its own code of ethics by publishing the incorrect news item and not publishing an apology after refutation. Unless the code of ethics is an absolute sham, this news item needs to be retracted with an apology.
http://tribune.com.pk/code-of-ethics/ : Accuracy The Press must take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information, including pictures. A significant inaccuracy, misleading statement or distortion once recognised must be corrected, promptly and with due prominence, and - where appropriate - an apology published. The Press, whilst free to be partisan, must distinguish clearly between comment, conjecture and fact. A publication must report fairly and accurately the outcome of an action for defamation to which it has been a party, unless an agreed settlement states otherwise, or an agreed statement is published.
Joining Imran Khan was NRO 2011. Anyhow I hope IK should not be so much frustrated as gaining power is not an easy job and especially when the king makers are also in bargaining with PPP regime.
Quershi is right.“You need to be in the system to change it,”
Imran Khan, did the right thing. Not to participate in any by-polls until a third party care taker govt. takes over, is an intelligent and principled dicision. So big mouths! just shut up and at least let someone fight for a better cause, if u don't have a heart to fight for us. God Bless Imran Khan, SMK, and everybody who is honestly striving to bring a change in the country. God knows Imran Khan is a "muqaddas gaaye" or not but he would be far more better than all existing cheap politicians. God Bless Pakistan.
The tribune is widely known biased journal at least towards PTI. So calm down guys. There's nothing to be afraid off. I have hardly seen any article on this portal saying good of PTI. Chill guys. Everything will be cleared in general elections. These people are sleeping in day time. Let them sleep and once they woke up at the dawn of general elections day, they will see a different political scene in this country.
P.S: Do register your votes if you haven't already. This is very important. Register the votes and vote for PTI.
When PTI gonna arrange a concert :) I am waiting, Please don't stop the music
ET must render appology to its readers for this fabricated story
IMRAN KHAN is not a POLITICIAN. He is DICTATOR of his Party. SOON not only SHAH MEHMOOD QURESHI but also many other VETERAN POLITICAN left IMRAN due to his DICTATORSHIP
There is no differences what so ever between IK and SMQ.Both have strongly denied the press reoports of ET.Some circles in status quo parties are scared of PTI popularity and trying their best to give a negative message to the public about this party.Inshallah PTI will win next election with the support of educated Pakistani youth.After 4 years performane of PPP and PML N I doubt any sound minded Pakistani would vote for these political parties.
i think what imran did was OK. Shah also understands this.
express tribune is the most cheapest news group of Pakistan. Full of propaganda, dirty, and cheap journalism. this news is based on lies. and tribune has no prof of it.
its right imran khan should not make sole decisions
The boy would shout"wolf""wolf" and the people would come to his rescue, only to find nothing.And when the wolf really came, no one believed the little boy and all the sheep were lost. Over confidence can become an over kill, especially when the level playing field is biased and dirty.I agree with SMQ. Imran should have tested the political arena by allowing Shah Mahmood to contest the elections.If PTI had won, SMQ could have resigned again and proven his mantle, a small price to pay in the bigger picture. If he had lost, they could cry "wolf", and still have the peoples sympathy, then reassess their strategy for the future. The Tsunami may come, and may not, a feeler was very important. And I am afraid, since politics is a big gamble, the bluff may be anybody's, not just IK's/PTI.
I just wonder what make SMQ a heavyweight? Has he done great work for the people? Hearing his speeches, they appear to be all full of hot air and nothing more. As a foreign minister, he was an utter failure. Anyone who insults a visiting counterpart on the instigation of the powers-that-be, has pretty much non-existent grey matter. How such a person can be called a heavyweight is difficult to understand.
this is just a baseless,fabricated story...it has been completely denied by both qureshi and pti...future of pakistan is in pti hands...such baseless stories will not dampen our spirit for change in pakistan
like IK said.
PTI makes the rules ...dont like it get out.
To all new commentators, have you even bothered to read the clarification issued by Shah Mahmood Qureshi himself and PTI? Why do you people act like blind sheep? Tribune where is the retraction for posting of a completely fabricated story?
ET should remove this story now as both leader has rejected the claim made by ET. ET should aplologize without confirming opr listening there point of view!
IK must have his reasons for not contesting elections, but the Fact stands: Autocracy at its best in PTI....even more than PPP n PML N. PTI is just like any other party. Only one party will campaign on the basis of its Work/Performance: Shahbaz Sharif's
IK must have his reasons for not contesting, but the fact stands: Autocracy at its best in PTI - even more than PPP n PML N...! whts the change all about then. PTI is just like any other political party now!
You cannot control Imran Khan thats why he said I will take the revolution as Leader matters a lot....
Shah Mehmood Qureshi is right as far as by-elections are concerned. If he is not listened in PTI, he should leave the party. I am sure that there is no future of PTI. Shah Mehmood should change his path and should consider joining PML (N). It would be better for him as well as for the country.
Mr. Qureshi should re-visit his decision to join PTI. I believe that still it is not too late. He should quit PTI without any delay otherwise it would be too late. It would not be easy for him to win his own constituency. It would be far far better for him to join PML (N). He was invited by Nawaz Sharif to join PML (N) but he could not make the right decision. I suggest that he should leave PTI which is a failure party. He should join PML (N) which is a seasoned political party with strong base and vote bank.
I think TRIBUNE should write an apology now.
http://insaf.pk/News/tabid/60/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10301/Shah-Mahmood-Qureshi-fully-backs-by-election-boycott-by-PTI-Terms-rumors-as-baseless.aspx
ET owes an apology to SMQ and PTI....please publish the apology before you publish the next PTI bashing article
Why Don't SMQ comes on midia himself and clear the issue once for all..Is that too difficult???
The entire report is false and baseless.
PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi strongly denies the news item published in Tribune 6th March, 2012 which suggests that there was any disagreement between him and the Chairman on contesting the bye elections. https://insaf.pk/News/tabid/60/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10301/Shah-Mahmood-Qureshi-strongly-denies-the-news-item-published-in-E-Tribune.aspx
If Shah Mehmood Qureshi joins PML (N), he can serve nation in better way. Mr. Qureshi is a seasoned politician. It is strange that he joined PTI which is no party. Nawaz Sharif invited him to join PML (N) but Mr. Qureshi decided to join PTI. It was a very wrong decision. Mr. Qureshi's stance is right over by-elections.
There is no future of Shah Mehmood Qureshi and PTI. If Mr. Qureshi want to do something positive for Pakistan, he should join PML (N). I strongly believe that PML (N) is the best party in Pakistan led by Mr. Nawaz Sharif.
If he had gone solo......he would have one maybe one seat. How will that help in bringing about change? @Abdul:
By not contesting the by-elections PTI has not been able to show if they have any real strength. Its all well and good to come to jalsas and join the 'tsunami' but true strength in a democracy can only be seen at the ballot box. Also am disappointed that IK continues to run PTI like a one man show. Now that the big wigs have joined, its time he realised its a democracy not an autocracy we all want in Pakistan.
PTI is gone now.. 40 day rise, 40 day down-fall & game over..
Imran Khan is immature in politics and will remain so, for at least another decade. He is indifferent with what is happening in the country, he is considered to be sympathetic towards terrorists and keeps mum over terrorist attacks. The people are watching him in this behalf. The civil society, slowly but steadily consolidating themselves against the terrorists and their sympathisers. Imran Khan was an ardent supporter of General Musharuf and had arranged rallies in his favour, during his election for office president through the so called referendum. Conflicts within the party will escalate, he may, with help of the establishment, grab a few seats in the general elections.
Faraz is absolutely 100% correct ! Most people don't have even an elementary understanding of constituency politics,yet feel free to give their un-informed opinions ! As for IK and SMQ ,there is no rift between them . It's all negative propaganda to try and harm their good working relationship....SMQ joined IK because he believed in him ,not for power as some people insinuate ! If SMQ had craved power or patronage, he would have accepted the Water and Power Ministry and still be in govt. Imran Khan pursued SMQ because he was a man of principles ! And he was also honest,hardworking and patriotic ! Why else would he have nominated him as his number two?
First I am not sure how MLN that was asking for early election and go zardari go took part in By-Election. It does not make sense. This is where the difference is in other leaders and IK.
IK always stands for what he says.
Same PTI stands for change not for seat in by-elections and change can only be brought through the major elections...If SMK fear anything he is clearly not a revolutionary but an opportunist.. Time will tell. But I clearly support what IK's decision..
http://www.insaf.pk/News/tabid/60/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10301/Shah-Mahmood-Qureshi-fully-backs-by-election-boycott-by-PTI-Terms-rumors-as-baseless.aspx
no truth at all in this report. cheap publicity stunt by the writer.
Imran is correct. Why Shah Mahmoud wants to contest for the seat he just resigned from.
So can the editorial team please issue an appropriate apology?? ....before you publish another baseless PTI bashing article
SMQ has denied the baseless rumour story published in ET...for more check out this Insaf Article...Shame Shame ET, I hope my comment gets published.. http://insaf.pk/News/tabid/60/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10301/Shah-Mahmood-Qureshi-fully-backs-by-election-boycott-by-PTI-Terms-rumors-as-baseless.aspx
PTI should have contested in bi-elections atleast in Shah Mehmood and Javed Hashmi constituencies as a test run or for testing purpose, they would have surely won their seats from PTI platform as well and there would have been a good message for the entire nation.
Before you comment on this baseless news you should have checked this
Shah Mahmood Qureshi fully backs by-election boycott by PTI; Terms rumors as baseless
https://insaf.pk/News/tabid/60/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10301/Shah-Mahmood-Qureshi-strongly-denies-the-news-item-published-in-E-Tribune.aspx
Go and check Shah Mehmood categorily denied this news and rumours.
I fully support PTI's Decision not to contest in the By-Election as Mr. Hasan Nisar also said on a TV Talk show that " PPP n PMLN would have come together officially to contest against PTI at any cost to defeat them and that defeat would have tinted PTI's hope and chances in the next general election ".. and i fully endorse Mr. Hasan Nisar and he is absolutely spot on here.
We know that PTI has its best and only chance to take over PMLN and PPP and that is the next general elections so why waste that chance and blow it up ur self by contesting in such elections (by-elections) which will not last more than 1 year (even if the next general elections are to be held next year in march) and secondly PTI's point of not contesting the by-election is valid in a sense that PTI was the only party that went to SC against the voters list so how can they contest in the election against which they themselves went to supreme court? that would have been a blunder as well. and we all know that the voter lists were more or less the same as 2008 lists..
P.S:: This reporter should have gone to PTI's official website for official news as well. i would like all the readers to read this for themselves and decide which source is more AUTHENTIC in this case ... https://insaf.pk/News/tabid/60/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10301/Shah-Mahmood-Qureshi-fully-backs-by-election-boycott-by-PTI-Terms-rumors-as-baseless.aspx
I think this story is not true, movement of change is unstoppable whether Qurishi remain in PTI or leave.
Imran is a dictator
wow i didnt know tribune supports fake news.
Fake News Delete It Check That https://insaf.pk/News/tabid/60/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10301/Shah-Mahmood-Qureshi-strongly-denies-the-news-item-published-in-E-Tribune.aspx
https://insaf.pk/News/tabid/60/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10301/Shah-Mahmood-Qureshi-strongly-denies-the-news-item-published-in-E-Tribune.aspx
Cracks in PTI?
I just love reading this :)
SMQ has clarified it recently at https://insaf.pk/News/tabid/60/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10301/Shah-Mahmood-Qureshi-strongly-denies-the-news-item-published-in-E-Tribune.aspx
I think attachment with establishment has also played its part against IK. People are against army involvement in the politics.In the last few months we had the impression that army is supporting IK. The agenda of ISI is to divide Pakistani people and keep them entrenched.They were ready to take over when the memo gate was blown out of proportions recently. It is unclear whether Mansour Ijaz used ISI or the vice versa. Nawaz Shareef is more vocal and open against the army involvement.I am a great supporter of IK I am still hesitant to vote for him.
Qureshi is right that feudal,family and baradri politics in Pakistan at constituentcy level never ends and Bhutto was exactly into it after his 5 years of of tsunami.
We all had big hopes in IK, we are now in doldrums. His success is needed for a properous Pakistan.
I pray for the success of IK, however, this issue is not the only issue. The answers to few other questions are pending: Whether the new entrants have declared their assets as per definition of IK? whether Laghari, Hashmi, Qureshi, Sawati, Qusoori will undergo the secrutny at the time of general elections (or they are just electables?), Was Swati wrong or Sardar Asif corrupt?, Where are the IK's documents againt MQM? the answers to these (and so many others) questions are pending on PTI from its workers. The answer of the question 'jhoot kyun bolte ho' is not that ' doosre bhi to bolte hain'.
This is an example of healthy politics, rather have PTI ministers that questions everything even its very top leader, compared to so called ministers in PPP who just sit back and are slaves to their masters.
SMQ needs to bear with Kaptaan's charisma and dominance.....he should know that he can never control Kaptaan or enforce his opinions on him!!!
Imran Khan's decision was absolutely right to not go for the by- polls. One may have a difference and that happens in parties. ET has just exaggerated the news and thats all. PTI will will contest in 2013 and win inshallah!!
Imran has been exposed.Tsunami has lost its momentum.There are more votes cast in the Multan bye election than before.This shows there is no effect of boycott of polls. SMQ has rightly asked IK to contest the polls. Imran has again proved to a naive politician.Seems more experienced parties,PPP and PMN have returned the tsunami to the oceans. I am not going to vote for IK now.
Similar news has been pubslished in almost every newspaper of Pakistan, not just ET. There is no conspiracy! And the sources within the party will never reveal their names; its common sense.
Well, I stand corrected. But please no more of this cheap publicity.
Riddle me this; why is this piece of "news" only picked up by the Tribune?? Since when did Tribune became the inner ear of the PTI?? This is just a cheap way of getting more hits and comments on this site, Tribune editors should be ashamed. As I write this I am pretty sure my comment will be kept in the "under moderation" and will never be seen by the readers.
I think, PTI need to go through a process of collective decesion making on various issues of national importance i.e. contesting the election, energy and water crisis, Balochistan issue, creation of new provinces etc. So that when they come out to face the media and general public, people see them as one cohesive unit: speaking one language. IK must include all party leaders in decesion making. As for Shah Mehmood Qureshi, don't worry he will win the general election and his seat too.
Tribune has a thing against Imran Khan which is in line with quite a few other publications. So, no surprises with this article. Why don't they just declare openly that support N league or PPP?
imran does not know ABC of politics, whereas SMQ and JH are seasoned politicians. Imran won't allow anyone to enter ground before him. He still considers himself Kaptaan of a cricket team. I am sure he will refuse to accept election results even his party wins landslide majority but he himself is defeated.
Actually being Pakistani we always respect old age people. Here Imran Khan is older in age (above 60?) than SMQ so SMQ should must follow Imran Khan. All old age (but with young political emotions) Asgar Khan (above 70) Juwed Hashmi (above 60), Shah Muhamood Qureshi (above 60), Kasuri (above 30?), including young Imran and many other young leaders wish to lead Pakistani youth.
Imran Khan's historic decisions (not to contest elections) until the young leadership would grow up at least above 75 in age will surely bring big change in politics of Pakistan.
My name says it all
soon there will be PTI(I) & PTI(Q)
Tsunami is fast becoming a drainage.....
ET at its best to spur controversy and mischief. There is not a single authentic source mentioned in this article. And no such news is released by any other network. ET earlier had came up with the news that PTI is teaming up with Mush. The news does not make much sense as well. By-poll elections were boycotted way earlier not on the election day itself. If Qureshi had any issues why no such information was released back then.
Shireen Mazari Tweets: "it was a PTI CEC decision not once but twice and SMQ was sitting in the second CEC meeting! I know as I was also present!" https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=622502&l=825b31f6a2&id=187223478019539
Infact SMQ choosed really difficult path for him by joining PTI, as we know Imran Khan like adventures and there is a passion in his personality. Khan is a different politician than traditional politicians. Not only SMQ but all other old politicians will differ with khan in politics. Because their nature is different only Javed Hashmi's thinking matches with khan from the old ones. Infact Khan need to correct the timing of Tsunami. Anyhow PTI is a democratic party and there can b differ in opinions. Qureshi's point of view is right as well as Khan's point of view is also strong one.
To all the Citizens of Pakistan. I have read nearly all the comments of people from diffrent walks of life and I would like to say something to all the candedates of PTI.
Imran is a true leader of the people and for the people of Pakistan. Please do not forget that his intentions are very clear and if you have faith in his leadership than I think you should fully back him when he makes a decision and that goes for Shah Mahmood Qurashi as well. Shah Mahmood Qurashi Sir do not forget that we had nearly lost the World Cup in 1992 and Imrans leadership and his team of 11 strong men fought back and this could only have happened with a true leadership, he kept the teams moral up and the Team bounced back under his leadership to win the World Cup for Pakistan. So please Sir its not the end as yet and inshallah if you guys stay put the people will support you and you will bounce back. The only thing to do is wait for the right time.
@hasan: You don't win elections by boycotting them. If IK is afraid of losing, he should stay away from politics.
Not PTI, Every Party has One Man Show. Shireen Mazari said it was decided in CEC and other Members also confirmed. SMQ should consider his attitude, he is not Great Politician, he has only one set that is not Confirmed.
As a die-hard supporter of Kaptan Khan, I had always wished him leading with the youth like me and not taking on board these Q's, N's, F's, & other L M N O P's. Kaptaan is right ! We need not to participate in an election where the Election Commision is biased, the whole system corrupt. How do you imagine winning when the son of a Prime Minister is contesting?
@ET: since nowadays only Pro and Anti PTI news are being read, I am impressed your ability to develope an entire conpiracy from nothing. I salute to your higher standards of cheap journalism..
One thing is for sure, "Express Tribune" is getting "sham ka akhabr" which only publish for entertainment.
@ihtisham: Javed Hashmi was also with Nawaz Shareef in the jalsas organized just before his decisions. So politition dont take long to CHANGE.
Nevertheless. PTI Welcome to the Actual politics. More you grow, more issues u face within ur lines. I hope PTI wont byecott the next election as for now. u wud have to come across the MUK MUKA caretaker govt. So ....
Khan knows he cannot win anything, so why disenchant people now rather than calling dhandlee in real elections.....
It will be better for PTI in the long run if SMQ quits..
Very soon 'Beech Chorahay Mutka Phootay Ga'. Both are power hungry. Qureshi first negotiated with PML-N, but PTI showed a sweet lollipop. but gave a sour one. No one is sincere with people of Pakistan.
I will agree with Faraz regarding constituency politics and patronage. Masses has very short-term memory and it can happen that in a few months time people may switch sides. But even this argument does not support that SMQ should had contest the election because being a principle decision, it is not about one seat, it is about the whole Pakistan.
At this point, I trust Imran Khan over any other politician; May Allah help him
“You need to be in the system to change it,” this is true Imran Khan has to consider this
Not a single source of this information is authentic.
People will see in future that Qureshi and Hashmi both will lose their seats in General Elections due to this boycot dicision of Imran Khan.
Had PTI contested these by elections, the same media would have taken the knives out to butcher it for going back on its stance and accepting these assemblies. As IK has said all along that the new comers will have to join on PTI terms and that is what it proves.! Get a life IK haters!
What about Owais and Jamal Legharis? Why didn't they resign from their seats as per PTI policy?
In 1987 ppp took part in local body election . some reservation were present inside the party about taking part in it . But BB want to test her party although they did not get major victory from it but their workers get use to from election and after this in 1988 they sweep the election . so do not feel fear from election every party should take part in every election other wise they will be zero .
IK cannot overrule CEC decision which exist well before SMQ joined PTI. CEC decision prevails and influential know his strength in party like PTI. It is not PPP or PML where CEC has no value.
@Ibn-e-abu: I think there are two issues here. first whether not to participate in this election was correct decision ,in my opinion it was correct ,so i agree with you on that However the other issue is to be able to discuss and take into account your party's senior member's view point ,I think Imran failed on that.
Its better that the band of "Khochal" politicians leave now instead of later, in testing times...
Its declines of PTI, lets see how all these power greedy leave Imran Khan...........Today SMQ should have regretted on his decision on leaving PPP........
by the way isn't it such stand that differentiates Imran from other politicians ? have a little faith and patience :D
Those who know politics of Pakistan are convinced that even till today it is not the game of honest or straight forward people. IK knew it from very outset. However then some one misguided him and he thought inclusion of some political heavy weights will change his fortune. He was mistaken and still is mistaken. Nelson had to wait for 27 years that too in prison. If IK can not maintain his solo flight based on principles of honesty and straightforwardness, he should forget any break through even in forthcoming bout of election.
If imran goes for ground politics like accepting winning candidates, he gets criticism.... If imran takes principle stand like not contesting on ill voter lists, he gets criticism.... "bechara Imran kya karay :)"
Shah Mehmood Qureshi should quit PTI without any delay. He has made a wrong choice to join PTI. It would be better if he joins hands with Nawaz Sharif.
This news is absolutely ridiculous.After saying that this parliment is good for nothing i cannot believe that SMQ wanted to contest for same parliment.If he has problems with IK why he was adressing the jalsa in umerkot on the same day as by elections.So ET i request you to stop spreading rumours
Dear Bubble is going to be burst very soon.
way to go - Imran Like Kaptaan, like Boss. Cheers.
PTI is bubble which is bursting at the moment.. Imran Khan will destroy his party..
Yellow is the color of this piece of journalism!!
The parties that won in the by-elections would lose in the general elections. IK's decision not to contest is prudent. How far are the general elections anyway, what could have SMQ done in a matter of few months had he contested and won, winning and not delivering would not only have given just SMQ a bad repo. but the whole PTI.
I think i would awfully disagree with Imran's idea of not participating in the By-Elections. This was a bad move - He should have participated and if he would have won; imagine the impression he would have thrown before the elections
I must say i am deeply disappointed by Imran's way of taking decisions in the party. He should have taken SMQ on board before he boycotted.
This article is falsely giving the impression that it was IK's personal decision to not contest the by-elections. As far as I recall, this decision is based on principles, i.e. bogus lists and the irrelevance of the current parliament and was made by PTI way before SMQ joined, when PTI took part in some of the by elections in Lahore in 2010. So it seems to be a party decision with consensus of the CEC as (and many analysts have commented in the same vein) this was not in party's political interest.
Now one can't really overturn party's principled decision based on the whims of SMQ.
There is wonderful comment by Mr Faraz on this issue. This is not value-based politics, this is value-based, latter being value-of-money!!!! SMQ is right: “You need to be in the system to change it”. I personally just don't like SMQ but his stance is right.
look at the anti pti supporters making statements. It is a report not a judgement maturity please...
Imran khan's immuturity will lead his party to disaster ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, It is 99% chance that PPP will make all arrangements for next election........ will imran khan boycott again or it is strategy in by-poll ?
I hoped that TI should have contested the elctions.Winning ability of SMQ was the biggest factor for TI to wellcome him in the party in the first place. Does it means that IK feared defeat.If thats the case I am disapponited and worry that this may not be the first sign of of a bubble rather than tusnami.
@Abid: Not right. The process should go on. Fear of loosing will get you no where. Imran is wrong on this occasion.
Qureshi should have choosed PML-N over PTI.
@faraz: Yes SMQ is right. The process must go on. Win loose is not the issue. It is better to have loved and lost than not to have loved at all.
Sources wishing not to be named says " it is a fake, made-up news" .
As these elections were based on old, bogus and fake voters lists. PTI should wait for the time when, young people will come to vote for them. PTI decsion for boycott is best
The rag tag assembly of opportunists has started cracking.
Excellent!!! I am waiting for the day when Imran's booted from his own party.
No wonder! as expected.. Captain its not cricket game but its power game. Either you are in otherwise you are out. As yet PTI is nowhere in parliament. At least for the sack of a experience PTI must had to contest the bye-polls. Electable may not stay along any more. They have option to be elected as independent candidates - after all they are electable.
@Noble Tufail: Values !!!! HaHaHaHa.
IK decision was absolutely right to boycott these elections.people will vote for change in general elections not in by elections,a loss in these elections would have seriously dentend pti popularity.smq will realize soon.
I think IK shud nt have accepted SMQ in PTI. He has been given more importance than his stature.
IK just won more respect from me. If this news is true, then its a great thing. It means that IK is actually standing firm on the principles and commitments he has set. He gave valid reasons to boycott the by-electrons. With bogus voters list, you cant have elections anywhere in a civilized society. I hope SC's hearing on the said issue will produce some results. In any case, elections are just a few months away and the likes of SMQ's can contest in them
Imran's decision was correct. Bye polls were not fair. PTI should look for next year general elections.
@ bhai
I'm sure you’ll rush to Shaukat Khanum hospital and ask for free treatment if God forbid you’re diagnosed with cancer…just think before you speak!!*Wow, that was in extremely poor taste.
how lame of those who still thinks that PTI is going to clean sweep the upcoming elections, and they will stand a 1000 candidates. they will fall on their face, and PTI followers will see that with their own eyes.
So Imran give strong signal to electibles that they cannot dictate party decision and CEC prevails. If SMQ left it will be blessing in disguise and long term benefit despite some short term loss.
Imran Khan one thing which's for sure that you should have selected fresh candidate in your team. Now i don't what was in your mind during by - elections but one thing is for sure that we want a change. Now Shah sahb are doing such an acts which is letting down the image of yours and party low. At least politicians like him should be dealt with care and party matters and policy should be clear so that people like shah sahb don't spoil the whole show..
I love EXPRESS TRIBUNE one day they have some news about pml n pti and ppp supporters try go rampant another day they have some news about pti anti pti supporters try to go rampant another day they have some news about ppp both pti and pmln supportes go rampant
hey pti supporters Your leader will be on tv tonight on dunya tv with lucman till that time take a chill pill. He will most probably clarify the issue
@abdul:
Its so true
IK dictatoirally over ruled the issue.
Like when the party's executive committee asked for apologies fro thoes who had joine4d Musharraf ealrier IK vetoed this decision as he himself was culprit.
@Enlightened: It actually sounds more like they're not allowed to disagree with Imran Khan.
There are no Nescafe solutions.
Personal gain vs public good
Everyone should know by now that online PTI supporters have built him up so much they're not ever going to do anything but agree and make excuses for Imran Khan even if he turned out to be the most corrupt person in Pakistan. It'd just be a conspiracy.
With the Quaid as his mentor and Allama Iqbal as his inspirational. Why is Imran playing on the wicked prepared by the establishment and by their rules.
Its a shame that the PTI is not putting up a fight, no one is going to hand them seats in the parliament this is the same mistake they made in the last election i hope they can get their act together
Firstly, it was not a unilateral decision. The position on not participating in by elections is over 2 years old party position. Whoever joined PTI knew about its stand, even when they were even resigning from NA. It seems that the writer is trying to ignite fire and create distrust among the PTI supporters. and factions do appear, even in religions, where Gods message is quite clear. and this is only a political party.
This is a good sign of a true democratic party, there is chance to oppose the party leader, but in PML-N & PPP no one can oppose the deputy leader like shehbaz sharif etc... I don't think so this is a wrong thing, this must call a truly democratic party. We (people) need like these parties for the interest of overcome the feudalism in the parties.
What an incredibly biased and unsubstantiated piece of journalism! ET has become one big, well-designed blog!
why would he want the seat when the general elections are merely a few months away? O_o
@Ejaz Ahmad: I'm sure you'll rush to Shaukat Khanum hospital and ask for free treatment if God forbid you're diagnosed with cancer...just think before you speak!!
Urban fans of PTI can’t understand; it’s not about bogus votes or 10 seats. It’s about constituency politics and patronage; influential people and families and bureaucracy switch sides if a party decides to boycott the elections. For next 1 year, SMQ can do nothing while Gilani will dole out goodies to his constituency. Far from exposing the ruling party, people will actually realize that the ruling party can deliver instead of shouting the old clichés on TV. As far as Southern Punjab is concerned, SMQ is right.
PTI is well on its way of bycotting the next general elections too. They simply don't have the candidates and the infrastructure yet and not expected anytime soon. Even in their stronghold of Lahore, there are 2 or 3 people apparenntly capable of pulling it off in the elections, rest are basket cases. Elections is a science not passion only. IK will learn very soon.
The intraparty disagreements are natural and healthy. What is disconcerting is the following sentence:
"A member of his family, wishing not to be named, said Qureshi sometimes regrets his decision of choosing the PTI over PML-N."
Whether the decision is right or wrong, only time will prove that. However, this news of differences should not have come out in media...rather they should have solved it internally by dialogue (IK is supposedly a big proponent of that). Opponents and supporters will of course come with their logic in favor or against the decision and you can't win them over here.
we are with u IK...no matter these politicians dump u or stand with u... we are all with u
IK- doesn't believe in democratic decision making within the party.The Tsunami boss is trying to run it like an old Kaptaan of a young cricket team- won't work ji, as some seasoned "outsiders" have become "insiders" over night. IK, not only needs to improve his communications skills but also listening skills.
Not participating in bye elections was a mistake and then making SMQ the VP in the party soon after he joined it was another mistake.Ik is a cricketer turned politician and not a good one at that and through out his political career he has been making one blunder after another and thats the reason why he is rotting in political wilderness since the last 15 years.
if qureshi thinks he could win against the son of acting Prime Minister (let aside the provincial gov.) then he is living in a fool's paradise
relax so what if there are differences this is democracy. You cant expect every one to be satisfied all the time. If they were rifting apart smq would not have joined IK for his three day tour in the villages of punjab. which happened after the bi elections. In fact media does a good job by letting us know the facts and the rumors atleast we know what is happening. Supporters of pti need to calm down and not jump to conclusions.
WOW i should become an analyst, i had predicted this in one of my troll earlier in your ET . Tsunami is peterring, come September the Dafan council, the chalis chor PMLz will make an alliance with the PTI
Well this was expected. Imran Khan's rigid personality doesn't allow for consensus among party members before taking a decision and considering that Shah Mehmood is a senior member it was only a matter of time that his ego got bruised. IK has a lot to learn about politics.
Imran Khan still thinks he is a Captain of Pakistan Cricket Team. :-)
Urban fans of PTI can’t understand; it’s not about bogus votes or 10 seats. It’s about constituency politics and patronage; influential people and families and local bureaucracy switch sides if a party decides to boycott the elections. For next 1 year, SMQ can do nothing while Gilani will dole out goodies to his constituency. Far from exposing the ruling party, people will actually realize that the ruling party can deliver instead of shouting the old clichés on TV. As far as Southern Punjab is concerned, SMQ is right.
Qureshi finds it hard to adapt with PTI work envionment and values.
He is poles apart in IK ideology and demeanor. Sooner or later the marriage will fail.
@ET: ur report is totally based on rumers. He was with IK on the 29th feb jalsa in farooq abad. U will see SMQ on the 9th of march in Gujar khan jalsa along with IK. PTI Zindabad.
PTI is indeed unraveling. Imran Khan is nervous that his tsunami could come unstuck if he had lost in this by-poll. As much as I don't like Qureshi, he has a point. You cannot keep boycotting elections and talk about "tsunami" and "change". Nothing will change in the general elections. Will he boycott that too?
PTI is going to give suprise to all the ruling parties. This change will be seen in shape of PTI Govt. after the next elections.
There is only one choice for the people to save the country from these parties and that option is Imran Khan.
IK was right, it was a principled stand something MSQ is not used to
You can't change system through by-election and historically by-elections are under the strong influence of government. I am sure Nawaz must be partner with PPP if PTI had decided to take part. This will be partnership to give PTI a lesson. SMQ should learn and grow with the party. Imran Khan has made a wise decision and I am sure he has not taken this decision solo.
So as expected One man Show in PTI. When u have a person like Quraishi you should consult him and other party members. But he is playing the politics as dictator. “You need to be in the system to change it,” well said Quraishi...
@Ahmad It would have been a pathetic election coz it wasn't free and fair. The party would have definitely lost and it's image would have gotten tarnished. It's not about being in the limelight stop acting smart. Atleast he got you the world cup whatever his attitude was.
hey we need to calm down these are all rumors... dont start making judgements...Not every news in the media is 100 percent true
so it begins ..... it was on the cards .... u just can't have this many heavy weights in one party ... its natural .... be ready for PTI blocks now ....
Imran khan please understand power system in Pakistan works very differently than system of PCB. Your move to boycott the elections yet again will hurt you. Plus your promise of change has been deluded. I dont believe in you and your policies
looks like I.K Testing the temperament of His Big Players ... Nice Move :)... Those who are just opportunists will defiantly Run Away from PTI and those who can Really bear it will be the Part of THE CHANGE we are talking about :)
Cmon all rumors... Smq is well in the party...
A party has to go through all such trials and tribulations before eventually becoming a truly democratic party.
I think the decision of Imran Khan for not taking in the by-poll is a good decision. You cannot change a stand. IK stand for not contesting on a list which is not corrected yet, even Mubashar Luqman has showed that people have been listed 3 or 4 times in the polling list. N-league and ppp will do everything that IK will not win and that will hurt his future winning the general election. I heard Queshi said that he did not join PTI for winning the election as he has already achieved the higest post of FM. I doubt he has said anything like that.. This paper is biased about Imran Khan and I am not a worker or supporter of PTI.
So, finally, in Pakistan we have a political party in which leaders can disagree? Sounds Utopian!
I think captan did the right thing.These by elections riged and 100% of the time won by the party whoever is in the power.So it is waste of time and effort.Pakistani politics stinks heaven high.Pakistan needs a major revolution.
Why does imran boycott everything? Also he should be more careful in who he brings to party next.
Who are these sources???
Fake News...Absolutely Fake Media Should be Responsible.....
Difference of opinion occurs in democratic parties like PTI. Shah sab please wait insha allah we will win in coming election.
Imran is Right!! How can he allow someone under him take the limelight of media and the party before him...People who knows his cricket carear...understands what i menat.
Media should Stop spreading such kind of Rumours...PTI rocks
well, SQM may be a seasoned politicians but a 5year old can tell that you cannot change the system by contesting bye-polls on 10 out of 342 seats... and IK stand was principled that they wouldnt be part of this bogus process conducted on the basis of bogus votes which is now proven fact..anyways generel elections are only a few months away and lets see what musa or his dad gilani can get ... i m sure the brave people of multan would take their sweet revenge from these corrupt families which is bringing bad name to the saints who are buried on the soil of multan...
o dictatorship? hahahaha
the skipper believes in changing the system by staying out of it. we must follow him no matter what, those who think other wise are traitors and agents of the enemy
one cover two swords, show must go on......
Now General Elections are not very far away..Quran says “Innallaha Ma'a Sabireen” means “Verily, Allah is with those who have patience” Mr. Qureshi should be patience..PTI future is bright..PTI will come to power with full force with public support.
Imran Khan seems to be losing steam and this decision of his has surely hurt the party and is a political blunder. If such are his decisions than there are less chances of his party even securing a respectable position in the comig elections, what to talk of forming a governement
It was very good and wise decision by PTI because Fed and provincial govts. were united to defeat PTI using all the available ''sorces''
PTI will go to next election with high moral ground
Next elections will be betwwen Pro Imran vs Anti Imran forces
Shah Mahmood Qureshi's anger is nothing more than a fact, as it will also be revealed soon that how much pain for Pak nation consoled in the heart of tsunami leader, "Imran Khan".
The cracks will heal soon, but the good news is that we all know now who is incharge of PTI.
And musical chair continues..
Dont worry SMQ not going anywhere. Seeing that both Javed Haqshmi and SMQ belong to that constituency there can only be one winner.
Good. If all this is true, those who were blaming PTI of changing it's ideology and policies due to new joinings should now reconsider. IK and PTI will always stand by its decisions no matter how much a BIG-WIG says otherwise. It was a party decision and SMQ should not make it an ego issue just because of one constituency election.
Otherwise, he's always free to choose his own way.
A one man show cannot have two stars. In Pakistan these leaders are for life and act as dictators and owners of their parties. It is their career and full time job and have never worked in their life for a living. Even if they hold elections they are elected forever without any challenge from within the party.
In my opinion, although Its was PTI's right to contest in by-election, but Imran's decision was right. In the absence of any un-biased care taker Govt & Election Commission, PPP & PML (N) will use all means to Crush PTI in any by-elction. So Mr Qureshi should hold his nerves till General Election.
Imran this Kaptaani is little different from your earlier avatar, you do not look properly geared up for this "contact sport"!
Hahahahaha.........so much for the winds of change! A unilateral decision to boycott elections & he calls Musharraf a Dictator!!!
Why do i see a bubble bursting sooner than even expected....the PTI bubble!
Bigger pictute may suit PTI, but could be tricky for mr. Qureshi at bnext election. Perhaps asexception SMK shud have been allowed to contest his seat..
My dear reporter! You are so one-sided and biased in reporting this news that you didn't quote Imran Khan's argument for not contesting bye-elections while you have quoted Qureshi's argument in favor of contesting bye-elections.This has been done to prove that Qureshi's argument was powerful and Imran Khan dictatorially over-ruled Qureshi.
ET at its best to spur controversy and mischief.
Oh, he'll calm down eventually. Gillani's son has gotten onto his nerves.
Imran Khan should have gone solo instead of picking these power hungry politicians.