NA to make decisions regarding the date of the next general elections: PM Shehbaz
ISLAMABAD, May 26 (SABAH): Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday ruled out the notion of receiving “dictation” from PTI Chairman Imran Khan and stressed that the National Assembly would make decisions regarding the date of the next general elections. PM Shehbaz Sharif said that Imran Khan’s dictation will not work, adding that we have to hold transparent election and National Assembly will make decision about it. He said that we will work day and night for the resolution of the problems, adding that Imran Khan Niazi should not forget, the 14 months of tenure of current government is left. He said that the doors for the negotiations are opened and it is the highest weapon of the politicians to hold negotiations, adding that he could constitute committee. PM Shehbaz Sharif said that if Imran Khan thinks that we will take his dictation, adding that Imran Khan should keep his dictation at home and should not dictate the National Assembly.
Addressing the lower house hours after the PTI Chairman Imran Khan issued a six-day ultimatum to announce a date for the elections, PM Shehbaz Sharif asked the NA Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf whether “any party or mob should be given the right to rebel against the Constitution of Pakistan with stones and sticks in their hands”.
PM Shehbaz Sharif lashed out at the PTI and party Chairman Imran Khan. “I want to clarify to the leader of this group (PTI), your dictation won’t work. This house will decide when to hold elections.”
PM Shehbaz Sharif said Imran Khan should not “misunderstand”, adding that the doors for talks were always open but if the PTI chief thought he could “blackmail” the government then, “do it in your own house, not this House”.
He said the coalition government would continue to work hard and solve problems till it wanted to do so and its term was completed.
“Challenges and difficulties are a lot but we are committed. We will work hard to make Pakistan a free country and regain its lost honour,” the prime minister said, adding that Pakistan could still reach its destination despite the present “darkness”.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that the government had two targets when he had assumed office — fair and transparent elections and reviving the sinking economy. He congratulated the House for passing legislation regarding the former and laying the basis for fair elections in the future.
Regarding the second target, he said it would be difficult but history was witness that if hard conditions and challenges were tackled with energy and effort, then the situation would improve.
For the rest of his speech, the prime minister criticised the PTI and its chairman Imran over clashes between his party workers and the police yesterday, which Shehbaz said were reminiscent of the scenes witnessed during the PTI’s 2014 sit-in.
“He (Imran) is thinking of refreshing 2014 events. If history is allowed to be repeated then nothing will remain,” PM Shehbaz said.
He condemned the PTI for its criticising the courts and institutions, saying the party changed its tone depending on whether judicial decisions came against it or for it.
The prime minister lamented the damage caused to Islamabad’s greenery yesterday and said the National Assembly would have to decide whether the country would be taken towards chaos or towards prosperity.
He also warned that no one would be allowed to bring live ammunition to Islamabad and permission could not be given for “bloody marches”. He added that law enforcement agencies in all respected societies used measures like tear gas shelling and rubber bullets against unconstitutional marches.
Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the personnel of various law enforcement agencies who had “performed their duties yesterday responsibly”.
The Prime Minister said that the House should now decide whether we will have to put the country on a path of development through hard work or allow the armed gangs to make it hostage. He said Imran Khan and his cronies had done nothing except promoting the culture of hurling abuse and intolerance. He said, on Wednesday, they put trees and public property in Islamabad on fire, which is very unfortunate.
Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the personnel of law enforcement agencies, including Islamabad Police, Rangers, FC, traffic police, district administration and other institutions for ensuring law and order in the federal capital and protecting lives and properties of the people. He announced a package for the martyred policeman in Lahore and other police officials, who got injured during PTI’s long march.
The prime minister also lashed out at the PTI and Imran Khan for not changing their march’s date from the day that Kashmiri freedom leader Muhammad Yasin Malik was due to be sentenced by an Indian court. He claimed that Imran did not care about the tribulations of Kashmiris.
Condemning the life imprisonment to Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik by the Indian court, Shehbaz Sharif expressed the resolve that the people of Pakistan will continue their support for the release of the Kashmiri leader and the freedom of Kashmir as per UN Resolutions.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has paid rich tribute to the role of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) for protecting the lives and properties of the people in testing times.
Talking to the personnel of law enforcement agencies deployed in Red Zone, Islamabad on Thursday, he appreciated Islamabad Traffic Police, Rangers and other agencies for playing their constitutional role and protecting the country’s interests.
The Prime Minister said all of us have to end hostilities, hatred, promote love, passion and national cohesion.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan will definitely move forward if we follow law and the constitution.
He said we have to foil the conspiracy to divide the nation and make our best efforts to put the country on the path of development and prosperity.