Murad Ali Shah. PHOTO: NNI
Unimpressed by Prime Minister Imran Khan’s maiden address to the nation, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the former cricket legend had a lot to learn.
Speaking to the media in Garhi Khuda Bux on Monday, Shah likened PM Imran’s address to the inaugural addresses made by former military rulers Gen Ziaul Haq and Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf. “I did not watch the address but I was told that Imran’s speech was similar to the ones delivered by Gen Zia and Musharraf,” he said and asked the media to analyse all three speeches.
“His address was a repeat of speeches during election rallies. Imran should come out of rally-mode,” he said.
CM Shah was also wary of promises made by the newly-elected premier and doubted PM Imran’s attempt to promote austerity. “These statements are easy to make. Imran says he will appoint only two servants, let us see if he implements it.”
“All I can say is that he is new – he will learn with time.”
“He said he will use two cars but has an entourage of security personnel following him around. The security detail during his morning jog is there for everyone to see,” the second-time chief minister said. “Even I use two cars assigned to me but prefer to not boast about it.”
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CM Shah was visibly miffed when a journalist questioned him over the use of a helicopter to arrive in Garhi Khuda Bux. “This is the only travel option. You will see that Imran and his cabinet members will also use government helicopters.”
Referring to PM Imran’s war on corruption and the appeal to Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar to clear the backlog of pending cases, the PPP leader said it seemed Imran had no confidence in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the judicial system. “We hope he begins the anti-corruption drive from his own house otherwise it will be political victimisation.”
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When asked about the prime minister's proposal to extend federal support for police reforms and health care, the provincial chief executive asserted that law and order was a provincial matter. “The security situation has remarkably improved since 2008 when PPP was first voted to power.”
He added PPP co-chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had already prioritised health and education. “In their election campaign, PTI leaders promised to fight for Sindh. If they do, we will cooperate with the federal government. The previous prime ministers too made promises but failed to keep them.”
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