Usman Buzdar, Mehmood Khan caused disagreement between ex-PM Imran Khan & Army: Sheikh Rashid

ISLAMABAD, Dec 08 (SABAH): Awami Muslim League (AML) Chief and former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that Usman Buzdar and Mehmood Khan caused disagreement between former prime minister and Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan and Army, asking tell him the name of that leader who did not cross gate number 4.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said this while in an interview with a private TV channel and through a statement on Twitter. He further said that Saudi ambassador stressed upon the need of political stability in Pakistan and that they will invest in the country.

He said that Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar conducted third meeting with the President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi but he [Sheikh Rasheed] had not held any meeting with him. “I think the environment of elections is erupting. Both sides need to show softness. Elections may be held before or after eid. Elections enhance importance of voters but candidates are thrown in a fix,” he added. 

He further said, “Imran Khan didn’t consult with me about the extension of General Qamar Javed Bajwa. All the big politicians make big decisions on their own. There is no concept of extension in the law but it was given. Army Chief’s tenure should be three years. If there is no way out for holding of general elections through consultation then there no other way will be left than that of the assemblies’ dissolution.” He said the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) was not in the position of going confronting the masses [in elections].

AML chief said that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a biggest obstacle in the way of holding elections. Neither was government willing to play itself nor it wanted to allow others to play, he said and added all the parties were on the same page to prevent Imran Khan. He further added only the strong economy was a guarantee of national security.

Sheik Rashid Ahmed maintained the assemblies were going to be dissolved ahead of December 30 and continued the discussions were afoot with regard to formation of interim government comprising technocrats. “Third important information which I am going to share with you is that elections would be held and accountability will be done. I only address to the wise people and not to those who are stupid. I will rely on Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain but not Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahee though he is chief minister. People were given projects of billions but I believe people will vote in favour of Imran Khan. I have no relation with General Asim Munir. Imran Khan has only single point agenda, i.e. holding of general elections,” he added.