HYDERABAD: A protest rally was organised in Khipro on Wednesday following a joint call by the Ghausia Jamaat and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to demand the immediate release of PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who has completed three years in detention.

PTI workers, members of the Ghausia Jamaat and local residents participated in the demonstration to press for the release of Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other political prisoners. Participants also welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision directing the transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital.

The rally was led by PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, alongside Akbar Pali, Aminullah Musa Khel, Mohammad Ali Baloch, Aftab Qureshi, Mushtaq Junejo, Imam Din Keerio and other party office-bearers.

Ghausia Jamaat Chief Khalifa Mohammad Hayat Dars, Khalifa Amanullah Dars, Siddiq Khaskheli, Ghulam Qadir Dars, Haji Yar Mohammad Dars, Ali Nawaz Hingorjo, Mohammad Nawaz Dars, Haji Mohammad Aslam Jatt, Imam Bakhsh Gujjo, and Mohammad Ali Dars, among others, spearheaded the procession.

Addressing the gathering via video link, MNA Makhdoom Zain Hussain Qureshi welcomed the apex court’s ruling regarding Imran Khan’s hospitalisation. He expressed hope that his father, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, would also secure judicial relief, noting that his bail applications remained pending in two cases.

“Despite enduring three years of imprisonment, our leaders remain committed to truth and justice,” Zain Qureshi said. He added that although justice had been delayed, the party had consistently chosen the path of the Constitution and the law, and that justice had ultimately prevailed. He thanked the PTI Sindh leadership and workers for organising and attending the demonstration.

Speaking on the occasion, Haleem Adil Sheikh described Shah Mahmood Qureshi as a “prisoner of loyalty” who was being punished for standing by Imran Khan. “Every PTI worker salutes Shah Mahmood and pays tribute to his steadfastness,” Sheikh said, terming the Supreme Court’s decision a “fresh breeze of hope” while reiterating demands for the release of all detained PTI leaders.

Sheikh launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Sindh government, alleging that the province had been devastated under their rule and its cities reduced to ruins. He claimed that Sindh had received Rs33 trillion in budget allocations over the past 18 years, yet its people remained deprived of basic amenities as resources were plundered through corruption.

Commenting on the ongoing debate surrounding the creation of new administrative units, Sheikh accused both the PPP and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) of raising the issue purely for political leverage. He asserted that Sanghar district remained a stronghold of the Ghausia and Hur jamaat, alleging that electoral seats in the district were “stolen through Form 47”.

PTI Minority Wing Pakistan President and former MNA Lal Chand Malhi stated that Shah Mahmood Qureshi had sacrificed power and high office without compromising on his principles.

Ghausia Jamaat Chief Khalifa Mohammad Hayat Dars also spoke.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2026