Shah Mahmood Qureshi
Shah Mahmood Qureshi: A Political Journey
Early Life and Education
Born on June 22, 1956, in Multan, Punjab, Shah Mahmood Qureshi hails from the prominent Makhdoom Qureshi family, known for their caretaking of the Shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya. He received his early education at Aitchison College, Lahore, and later earned degrees from Forman Christian College and the University of the Punjab. Qureshi holds an MA in Law and an MA in History from Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. Fluent in Urdu, English, Punjabi, and Saraiki, he has also been involved in agriculture and served as president of the Farmers Association of Pakistan.
Political Career
Qureshi's political journey began with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), where he served as a senior leader. In 2011, he joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), becoming a key figure in the party. He held the position of Foreign Minister from 2008 to 2011 and later served as PTI's Vice Chairman.
LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman and former foreign minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday hinted at the formation of the opposition’s grand alliance soon.
In an informal conversation with the media at the Anti-Terrorism Court, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said major opposition parties are supporting PTI and hinted at formation of grand alliance soon.
Qureshi pointed out that Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has distanced himself from his own government and is now standing with them.
He added that prominent political figures like Miftah Ismail and Mahmood Khan Achakzai are also aligned with their position.
Speaking about Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Shah Mahmood Qureshi stated that the JUI-F leader is standing with their stance as well.
Recent Developments (2025)
Disqualification from Elections:
In early 2025, Qureshi was disqualified from contesting elections for five years due to a conviction under the Official Secrets Act.ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi from contesting elections for five years under Article 63 (1)(h) of the Constitution, The News reported Sunday.
In a notice issued by the electoral body, the veteran politician has been disqualified to contest the upcoming general elections set to take place on February 8 next week and subsequent elections.
The notification states that the special court established under the Official Secrets Act found Qureshi guilty in the cipher case and for this, he has been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and was disqualified under Article 63 (1) (h) of the Constitution.
On January 30, PTI founder Imran Khan and Qureshi were sentenced to 10 years, each, in the cipher case.
The case pertains to allegations that the former prime minister had made public contents of a secret cable sent by the country's ambassador in Washington to the government in Islamabad.
Internal Party Appeals:
While incarcerated, Qureshi appealed to PTI leadership to maintain unity and mutual respect, emphasizing the importance of solidarity during challenging times.
In an informal conversation with the media outside the Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore, Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged the PTI leadership outside the prison to maintain unity and good conduct.
He said, “I appeal to the leadership of our party, who are outside the jail, to keep unity and good behaviour intact.”
Shah Mahmood Qureshi also expressed concern over the statements being made by some members of the party against each other, stating, “The ones in jail are hurt by the bickering happening outside.”
Critique of PPP Leadership:In a letter from jail, Qureshi criticized the PPP's current leadership under Asif Ali Zardari, suggesting a shift from the party's traditional ideology. He expressed concerns over the party's alignment with what he termed a "hybrid democracy."
Opposition Unity:
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