Maryam Nawaz terms the ‘disintegration’ of PTI as karma for the previous ruling party’s actions

LAHORE, May 20 (SABAH): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President and Party’s Chief Organizer Maryam Nawaz Sharif termed the “disintegration” of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as karma for the previous ruling party’s actions.

“The Tehreek-e-Insaf is going back to where it started from. There is a line of people exiting the party,” Maryam Nawaz said while addressing PML-N’s religious scholars’ wing in Lahore Saturday.

Several party leaders have quit the PTI in recent days in protest over the riots that erupted after Chairman Imran Khan was arrested. The enraged protesters attacked military installations, including the Lahore Corps Commanders House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) entrance, during the days-long unrest.

In her address on Saturday, Maryam Nawaz claimed Imran Khan was the “mastermind” of the protests that erupted on May 9 and had trained the rioters at his Zaman Park residence for the last six months. “They were exposed on May 9. Subsequently, he [Khan] was condemning it on Friday. The people who issue such frivolous condemnations should be thrashed,” the PML-N senior vice president said.

She further claimed that the PTI was a “terrorist organisation” which had always tried to sabotage the country.

Maryam Nawaz said that if proof of PTI’s involvement in the May 9 protests was required, people only had to check Imran Khan’s nephew Hassaan Niazi’s pictures from that day and core member Dr. Yasmin Rashid’s alleged audio leak.

“Which political workers know how to make petrol bombs? The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) also announced that it participated in the protests and supported Imran Khan,” she added.

Maryam Nawaz said she was not in favour of trying civilians in military courts but look at the credibility of civilian courts first.

She said civilian courts had become controversial, adding that they had become a tool for [appeasing] a political party. “How could we expect justice now,” she questioned.

She went on to say that it was the biggest crime to use religion for political purposes, adding that PTI Chief Imran Khan always used religion card.

Maryam Nawaz said foreign funding was employed to raise Imran Khan, adding that his party burned the country on holding him accountable. “Now they are hiding when it is the time for real freedom,” she added.

PML-N leader said Imran Khan was seeking evidence on his party’s involvement in 9/5 attacks, adding that how could Imran Khan forget the image of his nephew Hassan Niazi holding a baton carrying Pakistan Army’s picture during the protest. “Familiar yourself with PTI leader Dr. Yasmin Rashid’s leaked audios and videos too,” she added.

She said what the PTI did on May 9 had never been witnessed in the history. “Had Imran Khan been convicted in older cases, May 9 events would not have taken place,” she added.

PML-N leader said no one could be granted bail during remand, adding that the Supreme Court granted Imran Khan bail despite being on remand. “Look at civilian courts first before raising objections to army courts,” she added. “Judges say their orders are not being followed but first look at the orders you are issuing,” she criticised.

Maryam Nawaz said ex-CJP Asif Saeed Khan Khosa [who disqualified former PM Nawaz Sharif] pressurised Nawaz Sharif for extending his tenure, adding that Nawaz Sharif refused. “Mr Khosa will be brought under justice some day,” she added.

She said CJP Umar Ata Bandial did not learn anything from past, adding that he was also following Asif Saeed Khosa’s path. “Former CJP Mian Saqib Nisar could not face anyone and his son Najam Saqib was also “caught” selling PTI ticket “in black”, she added. They had been made walking warning signs, she said, by nature.

Maryam Nawaz urged religious scholars to play their due role for establishment of peace and harmony in the society. She said people of Pakistan have a strong association with Islam and it is the topmost duty of the Ulema to negate the elements involved in the fanning of extremism in the society.

Censuring Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan to play religious card for political gains, Maryam Nawaz said Imran Khan is responsible to tarnish the social and religious fabric of the society.

She lamented that Imran Khan inflicted irreparable loss to the vital interests of country to such an extent as our eternal enemy could not prove successful to harm the country in 75 years.

Terming Al-Qadir trust case as a biggest scandal of corruption, she said that Imran Khan caused a loss of billions of rupees to the national exchequer and there was no political vengeance behind Imran Khan’s arrest.

She said that lame excuses are being presented in the court of law by PTI leaders to gain leniency whereas PML-N leaders faced their cases with courage and determination.