- PM deplores ‘double standards of justice’ meted to Imran in corruption cases
- PPP, MQM-P opposed proposal to ban PTI, citing concerns over freedom of expression
ISLAMABAD: while disapproving what he called “double standards of justice” being meted out to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said the coalition would take every step to ensure rule of law in the country.
Chairing the meeting of the federal cabinet, he said other political leaders in the country faced trials and tough handling, while Imran Khan was given a “privileged treatment”.
“These are the double standards of justice,” he said and expressed astonishment over the remarks of the Chief Justice of Pakistan during yesterday’s hearing where he said that “he was pleased to meet Imran Khan.”
PM Shehbaz pointed out that thousands of cases by the general public were pending with the courts while some political figures were given ‘specially favour’ of bail on a priority basis.
وزیراعظم شہبازشریف کی زیر صدارت وفاقی کابینہ کا اجلاس۔
ریاست، آئین، قانون اور قومی وقار کے خلاف منظم دہشت گردی کرنے والوں کے ساتھ کوئی رعایت نہیں برتی جائے گی۔ pic.twitter.com/ZlPWbkVQeq
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 12, 2023
The prime minister said the judiciary earlier also protected Imran Khan in his corruption cases including the Bus Rapid Transit Project (BRT), Billion Tree Tsunami tree plantation, and Malam Jabba development projects had solid proofs of corruption by PTI but the cases were not pursued.
The PM said Imran Khan was part of an agenda to bring “fascist rule in the country for 10 years.”
“May 9, after the debacle of December 16, 1971, was a painful day in the country’s history when Imran Khan’s party unleashed havoc by attacking national and military installations”, he pointed out.
نیب نیازی گٹھ جوڑ نے ملکر پاکستان کے اندر تباہی مچائی۔
~ وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کا کابینہ اجلاس میں خطاب pic.twitter.com/8dvGkpXccP
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 12, 2023
The premier recalled that despite the tragedy of the assassination of Pakistan People’s Party leader Benazir Bhutto, his husband raised the slogan of ‘Pakistan Khappay’ meaning ‘We want Pakistan’ as a great gesture of nationalism. Also, nobody hit the military installations even after the “judicial murder” of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he added.
Shehbaz Sharif recalled that at the time of the death of their mother, he was in prison but passed the time with patience rather than inciting the public for riots.
He said Imran Khan was the mastermind and planner behind the attacks on military institutions. He termed it a disgrace to the martyred military personnel who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.
He said the country was passing through a difficult time and the coalition government was making efforts to address the inherited challenges.
He lambasted the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to push the country toward the brink of a dangerous situation. He recalled that the PTI chief for months made false and shameless claims about his ouster from the rule through “regime change” by the United States.
امریکی سازش کے جھوٹے بیانیے سے ہونے والے ڈیمیج کو ہم نے کنٹرول کرنے کی پوری کوشش کی۔
~ وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کا کابینہ اجلاس میں خطاب pic.twitter.com/8Bj7KQo09Q
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 12, 2023
Shehbaz Sharif said the coalition government made tireless efforts to mend relations with the U.S. in a diplomatic manner, while Imran Khan ultimately changed his stance against the U.S.
He pointed out that besides maneuvering the situation with International Monetary Fund, Khan made every effort for the country to be declared a default.
He said Imran Khan incurred every possible damage to the very fabric of society by promoting hatred and intolerance.
PPP, MQM oppose federal cabinet decision to ban PTI
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) reportedly opposed the proposal to ban Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as political party.
In a recent development, sources have revealed that the federal cabinet failed to reach a consensus as several federal ministers recommended imposing ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, including measures such as a ban on public gatherings and freeze on party activities.
The recommendations were made in response to the growing concerns over the party’s alleged involvement in incidents of violence and harassment.
However, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) reportedly opposed the proposed restrictions on the PTI, citing concerns over freedom of expression and the right to protest.
In response to these developments, the federal minister for information made it clear that the government’s policy was to condemn extremism and that they were against any restrictions that may impinge upon civil liberties.
However, she also emphasized that those who had caused unrest and engaged in criminal activities must face legal action.
