Former Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood has resigned from his post as the President of PTI Punjab. His resignation comes a week after PTI’s Azadi March.
According to reports, PTI Chairman Imran Khan asked Shafqat Mahmood to quit. PTI’s Azadi March was unsuccessful as PTI Punjab failed to put on a strong power show for the Azadi March. However, Chairman Imran Khan called off the long march due to fears of it turning more violent than it already had become.
Read more: Criminal case against Rana Sanaullah for Azadi March violence
Shafqat Mahmood announced his resignation on Twitter. In a statement, he announced that he could not continue his responsibilities due to health issues. The former education minister, after the PTI’s Azadi March, remained hospitalized and underwent surgery on Wednesday.
“It was an honour and privilege to serve as President PTI Punjab and I thank Chairman Imran Khan for the opportunity. It is time for change due to my surgery and convalescence. I congratulate the new President and will serve the party in whatever capacity assigned,” Shafqat Mahmood tweeted.
It was an honour and privilege to serve as President PTI Punjab and I thank Chairman Imran Khan for the opportunity. It is time for change due to my surgery and convalescence. I congratulate the new President and will serve the party in whatever capacity assigned
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) June 3, 2022
Candidates for PTI Punjab President
With the slot empty for PTI Punjab President, there are speculations on who will now lead the Punjab chapter. Vice President and former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will handle the operational affairs for the time being.
According to media sources, Dr Yasmin Rashid is likely to be appointed PTI Punjab President. She previously served as the Punjab Health Minister. Moreover, her popularity among the public further grew when she bravely confronted police brutality during the recent Azadi March.
Read more: Vasay Chaudhry calls Yasmin Rashid the ‘Lioness’
Other senior leaders of PTI are also candidates for the PTI Punjab President position. Meanwhile, the public is of the view that former Minister of Energy should be the President of PTI Punjab.
Dear Ex & IA Future #PM and Chairman #PTI Mr. @ImranKhanPTI Sir, it's a request please consider @Hammad_Azhar for #PTIPunjabPresident as he's young, educated,mobilizer, experienced,well spoken, non-corrupt & faithful party worker.#امپورٹڈ_Øکومت_نامنظور #ImranKhanPTi @InsafPK
— Bilal Khalid (@Bilalkh1990) June 3, 2022
. @Hammad_Azhar for President PTI Punjab and CM Punjab https://t.co/eQTmzqXhL8
— Yasir Cheema (@Yasirmcheema) June 3, 2022
Some netizens even claimed that Punjab Governor Omar Sarfaraz Cheema should become the PTI Punjab President.