No compromise on accountability come what may: PM

Imran Khan says opposition endangering people’s lives to save its corruption

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan has reiterated to the government and PTI spokespersons during a meeting that he will not compromise on accountability and give NRO “come what may”, as the 11-party opposition alliance – the Pakistan Democratic Movement – gears up to hold its rally on December 13 in Lahore.

“The opposition is endangering the lives of the people to save its corruption … they don't know me … even if my government leaves, I will not compromise on accountability,” Premier Imran said while chairing a meeting of the spokespersons on Monday.

The PM was given a briefing on the coronavirus situation and the current political situation was also discussed in detail.

“We will not give the opposition a chance to clash. They are afraid that if the government continues to run, their deeds will continue to come to light, so they are all pushing for the government to go,” Imran said. “No political or land mafia will get NRO.”

According to sources, Imran said during the meeting that the opposition was now endangering the lives of the people to save its corruption. “Their whole family is sitting outside and here they are using the people for their own interests.”

The PM said that even if the opposition held 10 meetings at Minar-e-Pakistan, the government would not be affected. “We care about the people and will file lawsuits against the service providers of the rally.

“We will not stop the gathering. They want the government to stop the gathering. The opposition wants a confrontation. The government will not give them a chance to clash,” the PM said.

On the ongoing operation against occupation of government lands in Lahore, the PM said that no concession would be given to those occupying government lands.

“Everywhere the political mafia is behind the land mafia,” Imran said.

Separately, the premier inaugurated the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Imran stressed the importance of developing a strategy to save the youth from the scourge of drugs and corruption.

He vowed to introduce a tough policy against the use of drugs in tandem with the anti-corruption measures taken by the incumbent government, a statement issued by the PM Office said.

The event was attended by the federal minister for narcotics control along with senior officials of the ANF.

The prime minister observed that relevant ministries, including that of education and health, would be taken onboard in view of the growing trend of drug abuse at the educational institutions.

He said an infallible strategy to keep drug abuse in check among youth was paramount to save the future generations of the country.

He noted that there were seven million drug addicts in the country, with a large number of them being schoolchildren.

The premier said he was informed by the inspector general of police about the use of synthetic drug “ice” in schools and universities adding that the revelation was alarming and could leave a disastrous impact on the country’s education and health.