Pak's ex-foreign minister Qureshi shifted to hospital after suffering fall in jail

Lahore: Pakistan's former foreign minister and Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party's vice-chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi was admitted to a hospital after he collapsed in jail, an official said on Tuesday.

"Qureshi suffered a dizzy spell while walking in his barrack at Kot Lakhpat Jail, Lahore, on Monday, sustaining injuries to his knee and arm," a jail official said.

He added that the 70-year-old leader was shifted to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) for treatment.

Qureshi has been in jail since August 2023 in multiple cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots.

According to Qureshi's counsel Rana Mudassar Umar, the veteran politician was taken to hospital as he fainted and suffered a fall.

Qureshi is being held under observation for 24 hours, after which it will be decided whether he will remain in the hospital or be shifted back to jail, he added.

"Three and a half years ago, a hale and hearty lion heart was sent to jail on trumped-up charges. He not only fought the cypher case with resolve and courage but refused to sacrifice his principles at the altar of self-interest," Qureshi's daughter Mehr Bano said.

She further said that for over two years her father has been in Kot Lakhpat jail on false charges relating to 9th May.

"Qureshi has been acquitted multiple times but remains behind bars due to the government's malafide. Over 90 bail hearings have gone by, but the record has yet to be produced. A man whose innocence has been proven again and again is being held... It is high time the judge establishes his authority and grants him bail," she demanded.

She said her father has devoted more than four decades of his life to Pakistan.

"He has served twice as Pakistan's Foreign Minister, and as Parliamentary Leader and Vice Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, he has fulfilled important responsibilities and protected Pakistan's interests. He has fought for the supremacy of the Constitution and democracy. He deserves justice and freedom," she added.

(This story has not been edited by Mathrubhumi and is published from a syndicated feed.)