Dissolution of Punjab, KPK’s assemblies: Asif Ali Zardari’s plan came to fore
ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (SABAH): Former president and Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday said the establishment will not force for holding of early elections as it had decided not to interfere into politics onward.
In an interview with a private TV channel, Asif Ali Zardari said the coalition government had decided to table no-confidence motions in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab Assemblies.
The former president said that they were not scared of Imran Khan at all, and added, “I love this land. I have only this country. I cannot go anywhere else. I was worried that Imran Khan could take a wrong decision but he was wishing to, I have stopped him in this regard.
While talking about the Kashmir issue, he said that India was difficult subject and added, “They don’t give visa to any American. They have eaten away Kashmir while considering it an ordinary thing.” He further deplored in India, a chief minister made an announcement that they can now merry to Kashmiri girls.
He ruled out snap polls saying that it won’t suit us or democracy. “It’s too immature and too soon to say anything about the elections. I don’t think there is a possibility of the establishment forcing early elections,” he remarked. The way one should talk in this matter that language does not suit us, he added.
However, at the same time, he asserted that the coalition parties would contest the polls if the PTI succeeded in dissolving the provincial assemblies. “I will see how many MPAs Imran Khan is able to get elected.”
In response to a question about the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) tabling no-confidence motions, Asif Ali Zardari said: “God willing.” He went on to say that the motions would be submitted everywhere.
“Even in KP. We have seats [there]. There are some friends who have gone astray we have to bring them back. We will bring a way in which they won’t have to resign.”
Asif Ali Zardari claimed that he had numbers in Punjab which were sufficient to throw the PTI government. When asked if Punjab Chief Minister Pervez Elahi could be reached out to again, the PPP chairman said that there was a distance between the two of them. “I made Pervaiz Elahi deputy prime minister and gave them 17 ministries. This time they opted out themselves. We have bigger choices than them now.”
In response to a question on the appointment of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Syed Asim Munir, Asif Zardari said that the new army chief came on the institution’s choice.
“I told Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to use his Constitutional right. I told him we are your allies we give you authority to use your Constitutional power. Shehbaz Sharif is a good man, he could have not called us and selected the COAS.”
The former president said that there may be some things that coalition leaders differed on but promised that it won’t dent their alliance because everything is irrelevant, only Pakistan is relevant.
While talking on the issue of terrorism, he said that banned Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was a real threat to the country. The elections in which Benazir Bhutto was martyred, this banned organisation had warned the masses to stay away from using their right to vote in favour of Pakistan People’s Party.
In connection with impeachment of President Dr. Arif Alvi, he said, it was premature hitherto. Asif Zardari said Dr. Alvi enjoys no powers which such move will be aimless. He went on to say that he didn’t personally know General Asim Munir. “He was the first person on the list [sent to the Prime Minister House]. And as per seniority, he was selected.”
Asif Zardari said that former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa never approached him for an extension. “He might have said it to the prime minister. I wanted to lobby for General Aamer, who was sixth on the list, but I could not because the situation was not good.” Talking about the institutions’ decision to stay apolitical, he said that “the army has walked ahead by staying apolitical”.