ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and senior leader of ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday termed the current National Assembly “as the worst in the history of Pakistan”, expressing his regret for being a part of it.
“Today is a moment of joy, as the people of Pakistan have been salvaged from this assembly,” he remarked while talking to the media outside the parliament house.
The former premier didn’t shy away from accepting responsibility for his role in what he termed “the worst assembly in the history of Pakistan”.
“I seek forgiveness from the people for being a part of this assembly. We all played our part in constituting it,” he added.
He highlighted that history would ultimately pass judgment on the actions taken during that period. “History will decide what we achieved. The people have gained nothing but suffered tremendously. Only the MNAs got universities.”
Commenting on the recent arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, he said that he did not desire the PTI chief to be imprisoned. However, he added that if he’s innocent, he will ultimately get justice.
He recommended that the ex-prime minister should take some time to contemplate his actions, which ultimately led to his incarceration.
Abbasi’s remarks came as the farewell session of the National Assembly was underway. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his address, stated he will move the summary to dissolve the National Assembly to President Arif Alvi tonight.
Earlier in the day, in an interview with a private news channel, he said as per law, if the president did not take up the summary within 48 hours, it would stand implemented and the NA would stand dissolved.
Regarding the caretaker set-up, the PM said consultations are underway with coalition parties to agree on a neutral interim prime minister, who would be acceptable to the people.
He added that the decision would be a collective one and after finalising the names, he would hold the first meeting with Opposition Leader Raja Riaz.
PM Shehbaz also said all political parties unanimously want elections as early as possible and dismissed talks of a possible delay in polls as mere speculations.
He stressed the need for a balanced and inclusive approach to civil-military relations and called for all national institutions to cooperate with each other, albeit within their constitutional limits.
The confirmation of the decision to dissolve the NA from the premier means that the government’s term would be cut short prematurely, paving the way for a caretaker setup to take up the reins after consultations with the opposition leader.
Once the assembly is dissolved, PM Shehbaz and opposition leader Raja Riaz will conduct final discussions to determine the caretaker prime minister.
