In the backdrop of Iran and Pakistan taking active steps towards boosting ties between the two countries, the United States has said that anyone considering a business deal with Iran needs to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions from the US.
The disqualification of Qureshi, 67, comes five days before the February 8 general elections, which Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party is contesting despite a state crackdown and without its famous election symbol, the bat.
The situation in the region turned tense on Friday when protests were held in the Gilgit city and surrounding areas on the call of a Shia group, hours after a prominent Sunni cleric allegedly made derogatory remarks during a protest in Gilgit.
According to the FIR, those present with the ex-premier, including his media team members, threatened the police team that came to arrest him on Saturday.