Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that strict action would be taken against “state’s enemies” as he slammed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for violence that gripped the country after PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.
In his address to the nation, the prime minister came down hard on the PTI, calling the party workers’ actions “unforgivable crimes”.
He slammed PTI for infusing anarchy in the country, saying that the nation has rejected the ‘militant demeanour’ of the political party.
He went on to claim that amendments in the National Accountability Law (NAB) benefitted Imran Khan the most.
He also praised former president Asif Ali Zardari and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for facing the law despite grave reservations.
The premier asserted that there is substantial evidence in the AL-Qadir Trust case against PTI chairman.
He highlighted that the NAB is conducting an investigation based on this evidence and questioned why the PTI cabinet was kept uninformed about such a significant matter.
He raised concerns over the involvement of Rs60 billion from the national treasury and questioned the decision-making process within the cabinet.
Referring to the previous accountability law, he mentioned that individuals could be detained for up to 90 days, making it extremely difficult to obtain bail. However, he highlighted that amendments were made to the law, reducing the remand period to 15 days.
PM Shehbaz further criticized the PTI government, stating that federal ministers used to disclose details of cases against political opponents during their tenure.
He also mentioned that former prime minister Imran Khan would often predict arrests, extending beyond political opponents to include their families and relatives.
Regarding the recent incidents of damaging public property, the prime minister denounced such acts as acts of terrorism and enmity towards the country.
He also acknowledged Pakistan’s bitter political history and emphasized that revengeful acts in politics rarely yield positive outcomes.
PM Shehbaz issued a strong warning to individuals involved in anti-state activities, urging them to immediately cease their actions.
He emphasized that those who persist in such activities will face severe consequences and be given exemplary punishment.
He emphasized the utmost importance of safeguarding the state and the ideology of Pakistan, asserting that it holds greater value than their own lives.
He made it clear that no conspiracies against the state will be tolerated and their nefarious designs will not succeed.
Furthermore, PM Shehbaz highlighted the role and responsibility of political leadership, stating that it is their duty to ensure that their workers do not cross legal boundaries during arrests.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, emphasizing that as a political worker, he cannot derive happiness from any arrest.
He described the current circumstances as a bitter moment that the country has had to endure.
However, he accused the PTI and its chairman, Imran Khan, of committing an “unforgivable crime” by engaging in actions that demonstrate enmity against the state following the arrest of the former premier.
More to follow…
