Cracks in PTI: Captain versus vice-captain

In what could be a blow for rising popularity of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a serious nature of differences have been developed between vice-captain Shah Mehmood Qureshi and self-appointed captain Imran Khan.

Apparently, the tsunami of Imran Khan is creating differences in the party more than anybody else. Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the former foreign minister, is not happy with unilateral decisions of the former cricket-captain.

After Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani’s son captured the home constituency and only political asset of Qureshi, the differences have seen a new height among the two top slots of the party.

Ali Musa Gilani, the premier’s son, won the by-election for the National Assembly’s seat vacated by Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the recent past.

Some media reports quoting sources claimed that the duo leaders had exchanged harsh words over what Qureshi said was an independent decision made without consulting other party leaders.

According to the reports, the Multan-based political stalwart never wanted to give this seat in the hands of Gilani’s family. If we have a look at the media reports, it seems that Shah Mehmood Qureshi is ready to part ways with cricket-turned-politician Imran Khan and mulling to contest the general elections independently.

Imran khan, prior to the by-elections had made it clear that they would only go for general elections. However, Qureshi wanted to contest the by-election, opposing the unilateral decision of his party chief.

The PTI’ chief was of the opinion that it would leave bad impact on the party in case its candidate loses in the by-elections, the reports said. He anticipated that general elections would be held by 2012 so no need to go for by elections.

Qureshi reportedly did not respond positively to various invitations from party’s head. He missed the PTI’s ‘Energy Conference’ in Islamabad and also skipped the two public rallies of the party.

The former minister kept distance in couple of latest press conferences of Imran Khan including one in which Dr. Israr Shah announced joining the PTI.

At the same time, media reports suggest that some stalwarts of the PTI wanted to abolish the post of senior vice chairman. The latest demand by the party’s leader further annoyed Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on Mar 6 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.