Former federal minister and senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Shafqat Mahmood has announced his retirement from politics.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mahmood said he made the decision after much deliberation. He emphasized 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 government service, said he now wants to dedicate the rest of his life to writing and teaching.

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

Mahmood reflected on his political journey, highlighting its highs and lows. He served as a member of the Senate and National Assembly, held federal and provincial ministerial positions, and even faced imprisonment. He expressed satisfaction with having fulfilled his responsibilities with integrity.

He had filed nomination papers for the National Assembly constituency 130 and the Punjab Assembly constituency 170 in Lahore but ultimately decided to step aside from the election.

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

Subsequently, on June 3rd, Mahmood, then the federal education minister and PTI’s Punjab president, resigned from his party position, citing health reasons. Media reports suggested that PTI founder Imran Khan had asked him to resign for failing to mobilize the public in Punjab for the protest.