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Shah Mahmood Qureshi Refuses to Join Fawad Chaudhry’s Dialogue Committee
PTI Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi rejects Fawad Chaudhry’s National Dialogue Committee, calling for decisions under party leadership while urging dialogue for Pakistan’s progress.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-16
Shah Mahmood Qureshi Refuses to Join Fawad Chaudhry’s Dialogue Committee

PTI Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi has declined to support former party leader Fawad Chaudhry’s National Dialogue Committee, citing his inability to deviate from PTI’s policies.

The senior PTI leader, incarcerated at Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail since 2023 over cases related to the May 9 riots, made the remarks during an informal conversation with a journalist in a courtroom.

In response to queries about his “consensual” meeting with Chaudhry, Qureshi clarified:
"While I was in the hospital, he visited to inquire about my health. We both remained in a political party. How could I ask a guest why he came to meet me?"

He recalled that last November, Chaudhry, along with Imran Ismail and Maulvi Mahmood, attempted to meet Qureshi while he was hospitalized, ostensibly to convince him to join their ‘release Imran Khan campaign’ — a move Qureshi rebuffed.

On the political situation, Qureshi stressed the need for dialogue, stating:
"The country can only move forward with dialogue. Resistance is followed by reconciliation."

Regarding ongoing negotiations between the government and the opposition, he said:
"Imran Khan has authorised Mehmood Khan Achakzai to take a decision regarding dialogues. He can make a better decision regarding the future course of action, as we are in prison with limited information."

On foreign relations, Qureshi highlighted Pakistan’s stance toward its neighbors:

·       Afghanistan: Islamabad has supported Kabul, asserting that Afghan soil must not be used against Pakistan. "If Afghan Taliban want stability, they have to maintain good relations with Pakistan. Their road to prosperity passes through Pakistan," he said.

·       Iran & India: Qureshi noted that the situation at the Iran border remains under control. Referring to India, he added: "Despite winning the war with India, the danger is not over yet."

Qureshi also reflected on his legal situation. Last month, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) acquitted him in one of the cases related to the May 9 riots.
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