PML-N calls Imran ‘architect of ruin’

At a time when the local media’s news cycle remained dominated by stories of economic meltdown, PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz absolved her government of any responsibility in the matter, blaming PTI chief Imran Khan’s government and his alleged benefactors in judiciary for the present day economic mayhem.

Her party’s General Secretary Ahsan Iqbal too joining the chorus strangely blamed the apex court’s recent decision regarding elections for the single day massive rupee devaluation.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman sharing pictures that compared dollar rate of Rs178 before the vote of no confidence (during his tenure) to its rate of the present day – Rs290 and the other highlighting inflation of 31.5 per cent in February; with the caption the ‘PDM has practically slaughtered the rupee in 11 months with a depreciation of over 62% or Rs110 against the dollar. This has led to an increase in debt of Rs14.3 trillion, inflation (31.5%) has reached a 75-year high. By the former COAS, criminals [have been] imposed on the nation’.

Within two hours of being posted Maryam, whose party was in power for the last nine months, took to Twitter to respond. “Mighty audacious of you to criticise those who’re undoing your mess created through ruthless plunder, incompetence, misplaced priorities, cruel deal that you stuck with the IMF and then its breach that plunged the country into economic turmoil, so sit down.”

Hitting out at the judiciary, she wrote: “Let’s not forget to thank all those for this mayhem who handpicked and fed you for four years, as well as the remnant of their influence in judiciary that you are now banking on. Won’t let that happen.”

In the light of the recent Supreme Court’s decision that had foiled government’s attempt to delay the elections in K-P and Punjab, it seems that Maryam’s tweet also indicates a revolt against the decision.

Her party in power since the announcement of the court order has been trying to cast doubt over the actual decision, by drawing a wishful interpretation of the court order.

Iqbal in his tweet blamed the recent SC verdict for the rupee devaluation. Former PML-N finance minister Miftah Ismail talking to a TV channel minced no words in blaming incumbent finance czar Ishaq Dar’s ambivalence approach in dealing with the IMF.

He said that the situation in the country would have been much better if the IMF conditions were implemented late last year.

Dar also took to Twitter to reply to the PTI chief’s remarks. “Imran Khan, you alone are responsible for this economic disaster. You brought Pakistan to the brink of economic collapse, but Allah saved Pakistan from you. We are trying our best to fix the damage caused by you. Nation will get good news soon, Inshallah.”

Dar immediately after taking charge of the finance ministry, elbowing out Miftah Ismail from office, made tall and pompous claims regarding his experience and abilities in dealing with the IMF. He had vowed to bring the dollar under Rs200, which now was touching a scary high of Rs300. He had also ensured the country of his ability to wrestle with the IMF. However, Dar was not alone in making such tall claims prior to ousting the PTI government, PM Shehbaz Sharif, too, promised to turn the economic situation of the country around in six months.