LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi says he has fielded his daughter as PTI candidate for NA-157 by-poll in the “best interest” of the party.

“No other candidate within the party is strong enough to take on PPP candidate Ali Musa Gilani,” he told the media here on Monday.

Replying to criticism from within the party that Qureshi was promoting dynastic politics, he said he would not have fielded Mehr Bano Qureshi if the party had a strong candidate against Musa Gilani.

Qureshi said he would visit youth leaders of the party to discuss the decision with them.

“The decision was taken to support Chairman Imran Khan’s narrative and it was a difficult decision since we are a conventional family,” he said.

He said girls could also play their role for the betterment of the country during difficult times.

“Women comprise more than half the population of the country and they should have equal rights. Mehr Bano will highlight social injustice against women. As she is an educated lady with a journalistic background, she can better present women’s issues,” he said.

He said he, his son and supporters would launch a joint campaign to support his daughter while Mehr Bano would herself reach women voters.

Mr Qureshi said the party chairman would hold a rally on Aug 13 and he would announce his action plan against the “fascist government”.

He said they would challenge the ECP decision of accepting selective resignations in the court.

“Mr Khan will contest election on all these nine seats if the decision was not reversed,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2022