Maryam’s politics is childish: Shibli

Minister says govt will ensure law and order during PML-N leader’s NAB appearance

ISLAMABAD:

Minister for Information Shibli Faraz has said the politics of PML-N de facto chief Maryam Nawaz is based on ‘egoism and stubbornness’ – a style that according to him has harmed her own political stature.

“Maryam Nawaz’s politics is based on egoism and obduracy. Her [style in] politics is childish and has only caused her harm [politically],” the federal minister said on Sunday, addressing a press conference at the Press Information Department.

Shibli spoke to the media after the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, announced that thousands of workers of the opposition parties’ alliance will accompany Maryam when she appears before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigators on March 26.

The minister said the government will ensure law and order situation during Maryam’s appearance before NAB – where she will be quizzed in connection with the Ramzan Sugar Mills case.

“We will do what is in the best interest of the people. The government will completely ensure law and order during Maryam’s interrogation by NAB,” he added.

According to the minister, the PTI led federal government is now least concerned about the PDM – an eleven-party opposition alliance – as “things have started to work out” for the government.

Shibli claimed that the PDM “failed” as its movement was not people-centric.

“They [opposition parties] had been exhibiting the same behavior in the past. They even attacked the Supreme Court. Their motto is politics for the sake of personal businesses,” he added.

He said all the nation prays for the speedy recovery of Prime Minister Imran Khan and the first lady, who tested positive for the coronavirus disease a day earlier. “The premier is in quarantine but is active.”

The minister said the Covid-19 positivity rate is at its eight month high. “We are once again facing an intense wave of coronavirus which should be taken seriously.”

Shibli said it is wrong to say that the prime minister contracted the disease despite getting a jab of Covid-19 vaccine. “The premier was supposed to take the second dose of the vaccine after 21 days but he contracted the disease in the meantime,” Shibli said.

The minister said PDM chief Fazl issued an incorrect statement about the disease and its vaccination.

“It is the job of Satan to misguide. Covid-19 is a serious affair but you are spreading confusion among the masses about the disease. You should rather give a plan of action for betterment of people,” he said addressing himself to the PDM chief.
Shibli said the government would continue working for the welfare and betterment of the people.

“Health cards would be distributed among the deserving people of Punjab on the pattern of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the universal health care programme.

“The government has already delivered 1,000 houses and 500 flats to the deserving. The government aims to decrease prices and food inflation by giving targeted subsidies,” he added.