Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Shafqat Mahmood has announced his retirement from politics after a 34-year career. Mahmood made this announcement on X (formerly known as Twitter), emphasizing that the decision was made after careful consideration and not due to any external pressure.
Mahmood entered politics 34 years ago, resigning from his government job to join the political arena. He expressed his desire to dedicate the rest of his life to writing and teaching. Throughout his career, Mahmood experienced many ups and downs, serving as a member of the Senate, the National Assembly, and as a federal minister.
He expressed his gratitude to PTI’s founder Imran Khan for the opportunities provided and thanked the party and his constituents for their support, enabling him to represent them twice.
During his political tenure, Mahmood made significant contributions, especially in the field of education. He highlighted key achievements, such as introducing a single national curriculum for the first time in Pakistan’s history and effectively managing the education system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mahmood stated that he is content with his work, knowing he fulfilled his responsibilities with honesty and integrity.
His announcement comes amid a turbulent period for PTI, with several prominent members and leaders, including Sheerin Mazari, Usman Dar, Asad Umar, and Fayaz Chauhan, resigning from the party following violent clashes across Pakistan.
These riots erupted after the arrest of Imran Khan at the Islamabad High Court on May 9, leading to clashes between PTI workers and law enforcement agencies in various regions, including Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad, which necessitated the deployment of armed forces to restore order.
As Shafqat Mahmood retires from politics, he leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication, paving the way for new leadership and fresh perspectives within PTI. His contributions to Pakistan’s political and educational landscape will be remembered as a significant part of the country’s progress.