Shah Mehmood Qureshi Shifted to Hospital, PTI Veterans to Launch ‘Release Imran Khan’ Movement

Lahore, October 31, 2025 — Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi has been admitted to PKLI Hospital due to deteriorating health, with doctors recommending gallbladder surgery after diagnosing gallstones.

According to Express News, Qureshi has been under medical supervision since October 28, with Dr. Faisal overseeing his treatment. The condition reportedly worsened during his time in solitary confinement at Adiala Jail, where he first learned of the gallstones. “The stones have grown larger and pose a risk of infection,” Qureshi said, adding that surgery is expected within the next two days.

In parallel, PTI’s former leadership has begun regrouping to launch a ‘Release Imran Khan’ movement, signaling a shift in internal party dynamics. Senior figures including Fawad Chaudhry, Asad Umar, Imran Ismail, Ali Zaidi, Mahmood Maulvi, and Sibtain Khan have reportedly met Qureshi at PKLI to discuss strategy.

Sources indicate that the group plans to seek Imran Khan’s direct approval for the movement and aims to reunite veteran political allies from Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The initiative reflects growing dissatisfaction with PTI’s current leadership, which the old guard believes cannot displace Imran Khan’s influence.

Qureshi, speaking to Express, described himself as an “innocent prisoner” and expressed hope that divine intervention would lead to his release.

“I pray for the security of the country and ask my loved ones to pray for me,” he said.

Meanwhile, PTI leader Mian Mehmood ur Rashid has also been hospitalized. He was transferred from Kot Lakhpat Jail to Jinnah Hospital due to a chest infection and is currently receiving treatment in private room number 9.

The developments come amid rising political uncertainty and signal a potential reconfiguration of PTI’s internal power structure, especially as veteran leaders reassert their influence in the party’s future direction.