Shah Mehmood Qureshi

Shah Mehmood Qureshi is a veteran Pakistani politician who served as Foreign Minister from 2018 to 2022 and as the vice chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Born on 22 June 1956 in Multan into a politically prominent family, he began his political career with the Pakistan Peoples Party, in which he held senior roles including foreign minister in 2008-11 under the PPP government.

Career

Qureshi was elected to the National Assembly multiple times from his native Multan. He is regarded as one of the most experienced parliamentarians in the country, having also served as a provincial minister in Punjab. He joined the PTI in 2011 and became the party's vice chairman, and was appointed Foreign Minister when Imran Khan became Prime Minister in 2018. His tenure focused on the Afghan peace process, relations with the United States and China, and tensions with India following the 2019 Pulwama crisis.

Later years

Following the 2022 no-confidence vote that removed Imran Khan's government, Qureshi remained a senior PTI figure and was among the party leaders arrested in the legal crackdown that followed the May 2023 protests. He was convicted in the cypher case, a decision later overturned by the courts, and he has continued to face legal proceedings while remaining an influential voice for the PTI.

Legacy

Shah Mehmood Qureshi is respected across party lines as one of Pakistan's most seasoned politicians and effective foreign ministers, and he is a key figure in the country's largest opposition party.