Maryam sees sinister design behind Imran early poll demand

PML-N leader says Nawaz Sharif, in his next move, will bury PTI chief's politics forever

LAHORE:

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz has alleged that Imran Khan was pressing for immediate elections in a bid to interfere with "certain appointments".

Maryam Nawaz, apparently alluding to the appointment of the next army chief, asserted that the decision regarding the next appointment will not be taken under pressure of the former prime minister, adding it will be based on merit.

The PML-N leader was speaking at a workers' convention held at a vast estate belonging to PML-N leader Khokhar brothers in Lahore, where she was flanked by Punjab Chief Minister-elect Hamza Shehbaz.

This was the second workers' convention in a row, with the first held at NA 128 a day before.

Terming Imran Khan's demands for polls a tact to "get his next elections fixed", the PML-N leader laced in the latter, saying "he should admit he can only play fixed matches".

Responding to criticism against her party by the PTI for flinching from elections, she said there was absolutely no reason to be afraid of elections, recalling that despite "massive rigging", her party went on to emerge victorious in 15 out of 16 by-polls held during the former ruling party's tenure.

'Imran's tirade against military'

نائب صدر پاکستان مسلم لیگ ن مریم نواز شریف اور نو منتحب وزیر اعلی پنجاب حمزہ شہباز شریف کی حلقہ NA-135/136 جوہر ٹاؤن آمد
لیگی کارکنان سے ملاقات https://t.co/gYxqyqFNga

— PML(N) (@pmln_org) April 27, 2022

She further chided Imran Khan for playing up a "two-faced policy" whereby he would publicly denounce criticism against the army, "while at the same he continues to patronize those who abuse state institutions".

The PML-N leader claimed Imran Khan was the first man to shed tears over state institutions' decision to stand by the Constitution.

"Imran Khan has a habit of cheating and now since he is getting no support, he is going insane."

Speaking to workers of NA 135 and NA 136, Maryam Nawaz said it was the unwavering commitment of party leaders, that got the country rid of Imran Khan.

She said Nawaz Sharif, who many said had no political future in Pakistan, earned more respect from his people than the one who occupied the PM's house for a good part of the last four years.

She said that thus far Imran Khan was only ousted from the premiership, the time is not far when Nawaz Sharif will bury his politics forever. "He promised to play till the last ball but ran from the ground when he saw his imminent defeat and sent his thugs instead to fight for him in National Assembly and Punjab Assembly."

She said that Imran Khan, who was worried about courts opening their door at night, should know that soon the doors of prison will also open for him. He said that he made the president, speaker, deputy speaker and governor of Punjab obey his wishes and betray the constitution.

She said Imran Khan can delay the oath for as long as he can but Hamza will become the CM of Punjab.

Also read: Maryam to lead PML-N rallies across country

Maryam went on to lash out at Imran Khan for perpetually lying to people about a foreign conspiracy against him, adding that conspiracies are hatched against successful leaders like Nawaz Sharif, not failures like him.

She chided Imran for selling state gifts and for excessive usage of helicopters.

She said Imran Khan should instead of talking about conspiracy, should show his performance.

She mused that Imran Khan addressing a crowd of two hundred people, gave a call to two million people to come to Islamabad.

She requested Islamic preacher Moulana Tariq Jameed to remind Imran Khan to talk about religion with caution, citing examples from his speech that she said were sacrilegious.

She also talked about Farah Khan, accusing her of amassing a vast amount of wealth at the behest of Imran Khan, adding that the woman bought two hundred canals in surrounding areas of ring road Rawalpindi before the project was announced, and sold them later for a billion rupees. She said Imran Khan facilitated her exit.

'False promises of Riyasat-e-Madina'

For his part, Chief Minister Punjab-elect Hamza Shehbaz Sharif said mocked Imran khan for making false promises, of five million homes and ten million jobs, selling state gifts and for creating Riysat-e-Madina.

"Today, Imran Khan is whining about not being given air time, and of being blacked out. His tenure for the media was the worst fascism."

He said on Wednesday, that even the high court has lamented that the province was without ahead for a month. He said that PTI can play as many games as they want, but nothing would stop him from taking the oath.

Read: Imran wants 2m people to gather in Islamabad on his call

He said that Imran Khan should tell the people what has he done for people, that two million will show up in Islamabad.

He said that where ever Imran Khan will hold a rally, later he and Maryam Nawaz will hold a rally there as well and will show him how to fight lies with honesty.

Maryam Nawaz is expected to leave for countrywide rallies (mostly in Punjab), to galvanize the party supporters and to undo the damage of PTI’s rhetoric.