It was proved in Toshahkhana case that Imran Niazi is a certified dishonest, thief & liar: PM Shehbaz
LAHORE, Oct 22 (SABAH): Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday castigated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan, calling him a “certified thief” after the latter’s disqualification in the Toshakhana reference for making “false statements and incorrect declaration”.
Shehbaz Sharif said that it was proved in Toshahkhana case that Imran Niazi is a certified dishonest, thief and liar but it is not matter of happiness but matter of thinking. He said that we should seek pardon from Almighty Allah at every time, adding that this person was calling all the leaders of the country thieves and dacoits from a long time.
PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed these views while addressing a news conference in Lahore alongside Law Minister Senator Chaudhry Azam Nazeer Tarar Advocate and adviser Attaullah Tarar Advocate.
Commenting on Imran Khan’s disqualification, PM Shehbaz said that his predecessor had been proven to be a “certified liar and a thief”. However, he cautioned that this was not a moment of happiness, but one of “reflection”.
He said that Imran Khan came into power after the “worst rigging”, adding that the PTI chief auctioned off state gifts after claiming the proceeds would go to the treasury. “The nation would have saluted you if you had deposited money from selling state gifts in the treasury. I would’ve too despite being your political opponent,” he said, adding that Imran had disrespected Pakistan.
Comparing himself to Imran, PM Shehbaz said that he had once received a letter from the Cabinet Division about being able to buy a state gift after paying a certain amount. “I answered back to the letter saying, ‘No, thank you’ and deposited [the gift] in the Toshakhana.”
He said state gifts were now being displayed at the Prime Minister House to dispel the impression that they go missing. “Now, I have them [displayed] in PM House so the people know who sold the gifts and pocketed the money.”
PM Shehbaz said that disrespecting the country in this manner was a “very serious thing”. There is nothing worse than a prime minister selling state gifts without having them valued and pocketing the cash, he said.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that Imran Khan had termed current Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Sikandar Sultan Raja an honest person, adding that Imran Khan had proposed the name of CEC. He said that ECP disqualified Imran Khan on the allegations of corrupt practices.
He reiterated that the person accusing others of being a thief had been proven a “certified thief”. The prime minister said that Imran’s Banigala residence was constructed in violation of rules and regulations, which the PTI chief later regularised. “But he then went to Raiwind to demolish my mother’s home. This is the [extent] of his revenge.”
The premier also took exception to PTI leaders’ assertion that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif had “written” the electoral watchdog’s verdict against Imran. By that argument, did Imran pen the decision which led to Nawaz’s disqualification, he questioned.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ruled out the possibility of snap polls this year, reiterating it as the government’s prerogative as backed by the ruling coalition parties. The prime minister said that the general elections are 11 months away and will take place according to the constitution and law.
Commenting on the ongoing political climate in the country, the premier said: “There is nothing to be worried about, democracy is not in danger. The government will continue to work according to the Constitution and law.”
The prime minister also congratulated the nation as Pakistan was — after a wait of four years — pulled out from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list through “joint efforts”. He added that Friday was a “lucky day”, as the country received “great successes”.
Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan was not in the grey list of FATF during the tenure of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and was placed on the grey list after him and it is matter of fact.
“All the institutions and authorities have worked together to ensure Pakistan’s removal from the grey list. [The country] has now gotten rid of economic the challenges, which it faced following its grey list status.”
“Our [coalition government’s] team has worked on [addressing] FATF’s pointers in an excellent way,” the premier said, lauding the efforts of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and state minister Hina Rabbani Khar in the process.
Highlighting the country’s unity on the grey list matter, PM Shehbaz appreciated cooperation from leaders of all the coalition parties and said everyone actively participated to legislate in the parliament to resolve this national issue.
“Despite reluctance, Imran Khan participated in this crucial legislation,” he said, adding that despite criticism, “we participated in legislation related to FATF in the national interest”.
“Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s role was immensely crucial. COAS and his team played an important role in this massive success,” the premier said.
The premier claimed that during the PTI government’s tenure, bills relating to the FATF were presented in parliament, which the then-opposition “fully supported”.
“Despite the pride of the government party and its leader, because it was a national matter […] we put all these things to one side and fully supported the legislation.
“We were mocked saying we were seeking a NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) […] but we bore it and did not compromise on Pakistan’s interest.”