ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) detained Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice President Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the federal capital on Saturday in connection with a cipher dispute.
According to authorities, the former foreign minister was apprehended at his apartment in Islamabad and will be sent to the FIA’s headquarters. It has been revealed that Mr Qureshi taped his statement in the cipher case.
The events came only days after the PTI stalwart addressed a news conference in which he chastised the government for unfair treatment of PTI leaders and workers.
He also chastised the government for late-night action against PTI leader Usman Dar in Sialkot, claiming that his house was sealed at midnight and family members were evicted.
He said that industries controlled by Mr Dar had also been closed, displacing hundreds of workers. Is it feasible to have transparent elections under such circumstances? He questioned the caretaker administration and the Pakistan Election Commission.
He also urged for immediate action in the country, noting that diverse segments of the population have expressed their worries in this respect.
The former minister also denied rumors of schisms in the PTI’s central committee.