In a recent address to the nation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incidents of damaging public and private properties, labeling them as an attack on the country. He highlighted the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on corruption charges, with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) currently investigating the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the amended NAB laws primarily benefit Imran Khan.
Referring to Pakistan’s political history, the Prime Minister noted that political victimization has never yielded positive outcomes for the country. The lessons learned from the past led to the development of the Charter of Democracy, aimed at fostering a more inclusive and democratic political environment.
PM Shehbaz Sharif criticized PTI Chairman Imran Khan, pointing out that during his four-year tenure, political opponents were selectively targeted with cases filed against them. The Prime Minister highlighted the practice of announcing the names of opposition leaders a day before their arrest by his ministers.
Explaining the amendments to the NAB laws, the Prime Minister mentioned that the previous provision allowed for a 90-day remand of the accused, whereas the recent amendment reduced this period to 15 days. This change aligns with the fairness of contemporary laws and takes into account the observations of the courts. PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that Imran Khan is now the first beneficiary of this amendment.
Acknowledging the efforts of PPP co-chairman Asif Zardari in handling the aftermath of the tragic death of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation.
Addressing the damage caused by PTI’s supporters to public and private properties, PM Shehbaz Sharif described it as a somber and sorrowful moment in the country’s history.
PM Shehbaz Sharif stated that he does not celebrate the arrest of any political leader. He stressed that it is the responsibility of leadership to control their workers and establish boundaries that should never be crossed.
Regarding Imran Khan’s Al Qadir Trust corruption case, the Prime Minister questioned how a significant amount related to the national treasury could be approved by the federal cabinet without even opening an envelope. He expressed concerns about keeping cabinet members in the dark regarding such matters.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister raised the question of whether refusing to face the court of law aligns with religious teachings, existing laws, and the democratic system.
