Imran made Buzdar scapegoat to save himself, says Maryam

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Monday launched a scathing attack at the PTI government, saying Prime Minister Imran Khan made Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar a “scapegoat in order to save his seat”.

The PML-N leader made these remarks while addressing the joint opposition’s public gathering titled Inflation March against the ruling party in Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Maryam alleged that the premier had used official resources for his Sunday’s Amr Bil Maroof (enjoin the good) rally in the federal capital.

“The prime minister ran 12 trains [for bringing PTI supporters to Islamabad] but could not even gather 10,000 people,” the PML-N leader said.

“Those hearts and minds filled with arrogance are abound to meet the same fate as of [PM] Imran Khan,” she added.

Read Punjab to elect new CM as Buzdar bows out

“Today we have gathered here under the leadership of [JUI-F] Maulana Fazlur Rehman to bid farewell to Imran Khan.”

Maryam said PM Imran had lost the confidence not only of the parliamentarians but also the members of his own party and nation.

Taking a jibe at the premier’s decision to nominate PML-Q leader Pervaiz Elahi for the post of Punjab chief minister, Maryam said, “Imran made Buzdar scapegoat [to save himself]”.

The PML-N leader also mocked premier for claiming that foreign elements were conspiring to topple his government. “International conspirators must have informed [PM] Imran Khan about their plot through black magic or delivered a letter through pigeon.”

“Was [US president] Joe Biden was behind the defection in your party… the country is being run through black magic,” she remarked.

Maryam also claimed that a “shocking scandal” involving PM Imran will be revealed soon. “Time has come to give final push to this government and raise slogan, Goodbye.”

PML-N leader Hamza Shehbaz, while addressing the rally, sounded alarm on spillover effect of any potential economic crisis in the country.

“Defence expenditures are being meet through loans… beggars cannot be choosers… so how can we make independent decisions,” he said while accusing the PTI-led government of making the lives of masses miserable through “flawed” economic policies.

The PML-N leader said the country’s economy was already “on the ventilator” and warned that if economic situation further deteriorated “then God forbids this nuclear-armed country can suffer huge losses”.

He said PM Imran encouraged his spokespersons to use foul language against his opponents.

“No-confidence motion will be passed with big majority… but people have already passed a no-confidence against [PM] Imran Khan through [PML-N] long-march,” he added.

Earlier, the PML-N rally led by Maryam and Hamza entered the federal capital to participate in the anti-government show.

The caravans of the constituent parties of the PDM – mainly the JUI-F and the PML-N – had set off for the federal capital from across the country few days ago and are converging on Islamabad today.

Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the anti-government alliance, had announced staging a rally in response to ruling PTI’s power show that was held in Islamabad on Sunday amid opposition’s attempt to oust PM Imran Khan through no-trust vote in National Assembly.