Probe into Broadsheet issue under way: PM

Imran Khan says looted wealth will be brought back to country

Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that the opposition parties made a deal with former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to save their illegal properties but the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) given by the former president caused a loss of $20 million.

Chairing a meeting of government leaders, the prime minister said that a comprehensive investigation was being conducted in the Broadsheet case, and pledged that the government would not come under any pressure.

“These people [opposition] are still asking for [another] NRO just to save their looted wealth,” Imran said. “Our government and the state institutions will not come under their pressure, the looted wealth of the nation will be brought back,” he added.

In the meeting, a committee of ministers gave a briefing on the Broadsheet issue. According to sources, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the case had exposed the former rulers. “A comprehensive investigation is being conducted in the Broadsheet case,” he added.

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On the occasion, Farrukh Habib gave a briefing on the foreign funding case. Imran said he had already offered open hearing in the case. “The PTI has presented its case at every forum,” he said, adding that truth about the opposition parties will be revealed to the nation.

The meeting was also informed about the generation of expensive electricity in the past. Imran said that the “people are suffering today as consequences of generating 42% expensive electricity”. He added that the people had to bear the additional burden of capacity charges.

Ummah unity

Meanwhile, talking to a delegation of religious scholars, Imran termed the unity and solidarity among the Ummah a need of the hour and stressed that the role of Ulema was vital to promoting harmony by discouraging extremism and sectarianism.

The prime minister said that united efforts by the Ulema could help foil the nefarious conspiracies aimed at creating rifts among the Muslims all over the world. He mentioned that he had raised his voice against Islamophobia at several international fora.

The prime minister said that he would hold a series of meetings with Ulema and seek their guidance on the issues, facing the country. “The Ulema can play a significant role in making the country a true Islamic welfare state,” he added.

The Ulema paid tribute to the prime minister for his firm stance against the blasphemy and Islamophobia in the West at the platform of the United Nations. They said that Imran effectively conveyed the sentiments of the people of Pakistan and the entire Muslim Ummah.

On the issue of recognition of Israel, the Ulema lauded the prime minister for taking a clear and unequivocal stand. The delegation appreciated the prime minister's vision and efforts to make Pakistan a model of the state of Madina.

They assured the prime minister of their full support in making Pakistan a true Islamic welfare state. They lauded the prime minister's prudent strategy in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and the government's efforts to manage worshippers at mosques in the most efficient manner.

The delegation included Pir Muhammad Amin Al Hasnat Shah, Pir Charaguddin Shah, Dr Qibla Ayaz, Pir Naqibur Rehman, Maulana Abdul Khubair Azad, Pir Habib Irfani, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Syed Ziaullah Bukhari, Pir Sultan Ahmad Ali Haq Bahu, Allama Hussain Akbar, Mufti Abu Bakar Mohyuddin, Maulana Adil Attari, Maulana Tayyab Qureshi, Mufti Fazal Jameel Rizvi, Maulana Hamidul Haq, Pir Shamsul Amin, Pir Habibullah Shah, Muhammad Qasim Qasmi, Sahibzada Akram Shah and Pir Makhdoom Abbas Bengali. Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Pir Noor ul Haq Qadri was also present.

WITH INPUT FROM APP