PDM exerting pressure on army to get NRO: PM

Imran Khan says if opposition’s issue was election rigging, they would have taken part in electoral reforms


Rizwan Ghilzai December 28, 2020
Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses a ceremony to sign Performance Agreements for the Year 2020-21 in Islamabad on Tuesday. SCREENGRAB

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the leaders of opposition parties are very well aware of the fact that he will not give an NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) to them, which is why they are putting pressure on Pakistan Army.

The prime minister was referring to the Pakistan Democratic Movement – an alliance of 11 opposition parties formed to oust the ruling PTI from power – Sunday rally in Larkana where they asked the “selectors to withdraw their support for Imran Khan”.

Addressing a meeting of the government spokespersons on Monday, Premier Imran said, “If the issue of the PDM had been rigging in elections, they would have joined us in electoral reforms, but they chose not to participate in legislation in two-and-a-half years.”

PM Imran termed the opposition parties a bunch of liars, saying that people cannot be misled by lying. “The government will not be blackmailed by the opposition.

“If we would’ve amended the NAB (National Accountability Bureau) law on their request, they would not be on the streets today,” the PM said.

“The PDM is an unnatural movement, as to this day, the people have never come out for anyone's personal interests.”

Imran said that the PDM was not a problem for them. “We are focused on resolving the issues of the people.”

He said that the PDM’s anti-government movement had no future. “Parliament is the best forum for dialogue and problem-solving. But up till now, the opposition has used parliament for its own benefit.”

He directed the spokespersons to inform the people about how JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman created assets and their quantity.

It was also decided in the meeting that action would be taken against JUI-F leader Mufti Kifayatullah for his anti-military rhetoric.

Imran asked the spokespersons to respond effectively to Kifayatullah’s remarks.

Sources said that the interior ministry would file a case against Kifayatullah.

Separately, Prime Minister Imran held a meeting with his Adviser on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan and told him that politicians pointing fingers at state institutions could never be considered flag-bearers of democracy.

The premier said all pillars of state, within their own jurisdiction, were working for the development of the country.

“Strengthening state institutions is vital for continuity of democracy,” he added.

Dr Babar Awan said politicians, who were striving to push the country into age of darkness for personal interests, had no future of their own.

He termed the government’s policies of economic stability and prevention of coronavirus as important achievements.

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