- PTI leader was in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail.
- Qureshi arrested in May 9 unrest cases
- Lawyer confirms condition emerged after Fajr prayer.
Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi was shifted from Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail to a hospital early Saturday morning after complaining of heart pain, according to his lawyer.
His lawyer confirmed that Qureshi experienced chest discomfort following the Fajr prayer, after which jail authorities transferred him to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) for further examination and treatment.
The jail administration has informed Qureshi’s family of his condition and transfer. The nature and severity of his ailment are yet to be disclosed publicly.
Qureshi, a former foreign minister, has been in custody at Kot Lakhpat Jail since his arrest in connection with the May 9, 2023 cases. He was detained following countrywide unrest sparked by the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, during which several incidents of vandalism and violence were reported.
The party has consistently maintained that its leaders are being subjected to political victimisation, while authorities allege their involvement in organising and inciting unlawful protests.
Zain Qureshi, the former foreign minister’s son, also confirmed that his father felt unwell in the morning, following which, doctors present at the jail conducted an immediate examination.
“He was subsequently transferred to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology. The doctors have decided to keep him under observation for a few more days. I request the nation to pray for his complete recovery.”
Taking to her X, Qureshi’s daughter Meher Bano wrote: “My brave baba is under observation in PIC. I would like to thank everyone for their concern. Please pray for him and all those who are under unjust incarceration.”
In July 2024, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore indicted Qureshi in a case concerning the alleged attack and arson at the Shadman police station. This case was registered by the Shadman police.
Qureshi was also transferred from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore during the same month.
The transfer was reportedly made at the request of law enforcement, who cited logistical difficulties in the frequent transportation of the jailed former minister between the two cities for court appearances.
These developments followed an earlier indictment in November of the previous year, where Qureshi and other senior PTI leaders were charged by a Lahore ATC in connection with multiple cases stemming from the May 9 riots.
Qureshi has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
