KARACHI, Jan 18: Former foreign minister and Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday accused the government of obstructing the functioning of the judiciary by opting for a policy of confrontation.

He said this while talking to the media at the residence of former Sindh minister Maqbool Sheikh.

Jalal Mahmood Shah of the Sindh United Party was also present.

Mr Qureshi announced that the PTI would hold a rally in Umerkot on February 19.

Amid emerging political realignment, he said that many members of the Pakistan People's Party were not happy with the performance of their party.

Responding to a question about AitzazAhsan's decision to represent the PM before the apex court in a contempt of court case, the PTI leader said that Mr Ahsan was a renowned lawyer but it was not possible for him to defend the PM.

'It depends on the prime minister what he decides about his future.

He was of the view that the situation was rapidly deteriorating because of the government's stance on the National Reconciliation Ordinance.

He also accused the government of obstructing in the functioning of judicial commissions.

About next elections, he said that a consensus for early elections in the country was emerging and whenever elections were held 'we will take part in that'.