PTI's Shah Mahmood Qureshi hospitalised after heart pain 

Lahore (Web Desk): Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was shifted from Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) early Saturday morning after he experienced chest pain shortly after offering the Fajr prayer.

His lawyer confirmed that Qureshi began feeling unwell and complained of discomfort, prompting jail authorities to arrange his immediate transfer for medical evaluation.

Upon reaching the hospital, he underwent initial medical tests, after which the doctors decided to keep him under observation for several days to closely monitor his condition.

Jail officials informed Qureshi’s family about the development and his subsequent admission to the hospital. Although specific details about his diagnosis have not been publicly shared, family members have been providing updates through social media and public remarks.

His son, Zain Qureshi, stated that his father reported unease early in the morning and that medical staff at the jail conducted a quick check before recommending that he be sent to the hospital.

He appealed to the public to pray for his father's swift recovery. Qureshi’s daughter, Meher Bano, shared a message on X expressing gratitude for the concern shown by well-wishers and asked for continued prayers, referring to her father affectionately as “my brave baba.”

Qureshi has been in custody at Kot Lakhpat Jail following his arrest in connection with the events of May 9, 2023, when protests broke out nationwide after the detention of PTI founder Imran Khan.

The unrest led to widespread violence and property damage, triggering numerous criminal cases against PTI leaders.

The party has maintained that these cases are politically motivated, while the government insists that there is credible evidence linking senior PTI figures to incitement and unlawful activities.

In July 2024, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore formally indicted Qureshi in a case involving an attack and arson at the Shadman police station, filed by local police authorities.

That same month, he was moved from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore, reportedly due to the logistical challenges of repeatedly transporting him between cities for court appearances.

This indictment followed earlier charges brought against him in November 2023 related to the May 9 incidents. Qureshi has denied all charges and pleaded not guilty in each case.