Shafqat Mahmood announces retirement from politics

Shafqat Mahmood, former federal minister and senior leader of Akistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, has announced his retirement from politics.

In a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mahmood said he took the decision after much deliberation. He stressed that his decision was not influenced by any pressure and that he has no plans to join any other political party.

Mahmood, who entered politics 34 years ago after resigning from the government, said he wants to devote the rest of his life to writing and teaching.

He clarified that his announcement only concerns his political career and is driven by the demands of time and age. He expressed his agreement with those who advocate for younger generations to take the lead in politics.

Mahmood reflected on his political journey, highlighting the highs and lows. He served as a member of the Senate and the National Assembly, held federal and provincial ministerial positions and even faced jail time. He expressed satisfaction that he had discharged his responsibilities with integrity.

He had nominated candidates for National Assembly constituency 130 and Punjab Assembly constituency 170 in Lahore, but ultimately decided not to contest the elections.

In April 2022, after the fall of the PTI government, former Prime Minister Imran Khan announced a “long march” to protest the government’s actions. However, the turnout for the march was significantly lower than expected. Mahmood acknowledged at the time that the party was unprepared for the march.

Subsequently, Mahmood, then the federal education minister and PTI’s Punjab president, resigned from his party post on June 3, citing health reasons. According to media reports, PTI founder Imran Khan had asked him to step down for his failure to mobilize the public in Punjab for the protest.