No one wants Tareen to leave PTI: Punjab governor
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar has said that no one in the ruling party wanted leader Jahangir Tareen to leave the party, claiming the disgruntled leader was making his own decisions.
Speaking to media here on Saturday, the governor sought to dispel the notion that certain people in the Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) wanted Tareen out of the party, adding the party was united under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The clarification comes a day after Tareen made an off-the-cuff innuendo-laden statement at a wedding ceremony of PML-N leader Khwaja Saad Rafique's daughter in Lahore.
In a candid talk with media, Tareen said his “plane” could take off in any direction even towards the PML-N camp, adding that his long-standing ties with Nawaz Sharif’s party will continue like before.
“Khawaja Saad is a brother to me and we have remained together like close relatives,” he added.
'PM, govt to complete 5-year constitutional term'
Also read: Long-standing ties with PML-N will continue: Jahangir Tareen
Answering a question during Saturday’s talk, Sarwar said that he was also aware of the rumours that the ouster ex-premier Nawaz Sharif was seeking to return to Pakistan but maintained that he was unmoved about the latter's decisions.
“I have nothing to do with his decision. The opposition has been talking of sending PM Imran home ever since the PTI came into power but so far, the opposition has remained failed.”
He asserted the premier will complete his constitutional term till 2023. “We will go to the people and will accept whatever they decide for us because we have always respected the decision of the public and will continue to do so,” he maintained.
Replying to a question about local government elections in Punjab, Sarwar said the post of Punjab’s governor was constitutional and apolitical.
“I have no responsibility given by the prime minister regarding local government election and other issues.”
Also read: Never paid ‘a penny’ for Bani Gala: Tareen
He explained that as far as consultation is concerned, “we consult on every issue in the party and will continue to do so.” The party, he added, has formed provincial organisations in all provinces of the country, including Punjab, which will take decisions in consultation on various issues, including the strengthening of the party.
“I will actively take part in the politics in the general elections of 2023 and will make decisions in consultation with the party,” he said.
Responding to a question about foreign funding case, he said the issue was pending with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and would give his opinion only when the commission has announced its decision.
He said that there is no other example of the facilities provided by the present government to Pakistan and foreign investors.
“Today most of the investment in Pakistan is in the housing sector and I urge those who invest in the housing sector to ensure that the rules are followed in all cases so that they do not face any difficulties in the days to come,” he advised.