PML-N's Abbasi says no to politics on Karachi issues

The Sindh High Court on Monday adjourned the hearing regarding bails granted to former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and other accused in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reference against illegal hiring in the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) till September 3.

A division bench comprising Justice KK Agha and Justice Zulfiqar Ali Sangi presided over the hearing. The PML-N vice president and others appeared in person before the bench.

NAB had filed a reference against Abbasi and former petroleum secretary Arshad Mirza for allegedly appointing Sheikh Imranul Haq as managing director and Yaqoob Sattar as deputy managing director (finance) of the PSO in violation of rules and regulations.

Talking to the media after the hearing, Abbasi spoke about the situation in Karachi.

“There are a lot of problems in this city. There is a dire need to resolve these issues and not politicise them,” he said. “There is nothing to gain from hurling accusations at each other.”

Last week’s downpour has destroyed Karachi’s infrastructure with several areas without electricity, clean water and communication for days.

Abbasi said, “There should be a better drainage system in the city. When it rains more, water will accumulate. The issues are not for the Centre, province or local government to resolve alone. All institutions should unite to solve Karachi’s problems.”

He pointed out that the areas of Defence were the most affected by the recent heavy downpour.

“When load-shedding occurs, the cellular companies will also be affected,” the former PM said.

“The Centre is attacking the provinces and they are replying. There is no room for such things now. Efforts must be put in to resolve issues.”

He praised the city administration, especially the police, for being on the roads during Thursday’s hours-long downpour to protect the citizens from any untoward incident.

“Citizens and youth were also present on the roads providing guidance to the commuters. The Karachi’s youth are passionate as they were telling commuters where the water was deep and shallow.”

He said, “It was an unusual rainfall for Karachi. In such rains, Dubai, Oman and Jeddah had drowned.”

On PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz, Abbasi said, “Maryam is the vice president of the party and she will continue playing her role in politics.”

He said that when Maryam was silent, there was objection and “now when she is talking, people still have objections”.

NAB rebuts Abbasi’s allegations

NAB, Karachi has rebutted Abbasi’s allegations of not pursuing the case.

“NAB Karachi chapter strongly refutes allegations of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi,” the spokesperson of the anti-graft body said in a statement.

Reports questioning the performance of NAB Karachi were aired; however, NAB prosecutor was already present at the SHC for hearing of the corruption reference against the former prime minister.

The case was adjourned till Thursday, the spokesperson said. The high court extended the interim bail of the PML-N stalwart in the illegal appointment case and sought arguments from the counsels in the next hearing.

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM DNA