PM Shehbaz slams 'double standards of justice' for Imran

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif disapproved on Friday of the ‘double standards of justice’ meted out to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in the cases against him, adding that the coalition government would take every step to ensure the rule of law in the country.

Chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet, he said other political leaders in the country faced trials and tough handling, while Imran was given “privileged treatment”. He termred the Supreme Court’s bail relief to him “nothing but an NRO” (National Reconciliation Order).

The minister remarked that if the “favourite” continued to be favoured, then all dacoits behind bars should be also released across Pakistan.

“These are the double standards that have brought about the death of justice,” he said as he expressed astonishment over the remarks of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial's remarks during yesterday’s hearing where the top judge said that he was pleased to see Imran.

He pointed out that thousands of cases by the general public were pending before the courts while some political figures were being given special favours of bail on a priority basis.

Shehbaz criticised how similar leniency was not given to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif or other members of the cabinet. He lamented that “no one” spoke to Nawaz about the “injustices” he suffered.

The prime minister said that the judiciary also protected Imran Khan in his corruption cases. He maintained that the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Billion Tree Tsunami, as well as the Malam Jabba development projects had solid proofs of corruption by PTI, but the cases were not pursued.

He continued that "Imran Khan was part of an agenda to bring fascist rule to the country for 10 years".

Read PM Shehbaz addresses nation in wake of Imran's arrest

According to the premier, May 9 – the day of Imran’s arrest – was a painful day in the country’s history as Imran’s party unleashed havoc by attacking national and military installations. He said that such scenes were not observed since the fall of Dhaka in 1973.

He recalled that despite the tragedy of the assassination of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Benazir Bhutto, his husband, former president Asif Zardari, raised the slogan of ‘Pakistan Khappay’ - meaning ‘Long Live Pakistan’ - as a great gesture of nationalism. He further added that nobody destroyed military installations even after the “judicial murder” of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

PM Shehbaz also recollected that he was in prison when his mother passed away, but he passed the time with patience rather than inciting riots.

He said that Imran was the “mastermind and planner” behind the attacks on military institutions, terming it a disgrace to the martyred military personnel who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.

Shehbaz maintained that the country was passing through a difficult time and the coalition government was making efforts to address the inherited challenges.

He criticised the PTI leadership for pushing the country toward the brink of a dangerous situation. He said that for months, the PTI chief made false and shameless claims about his ouster from the rule through a “regime change” by the United States.

Shehbaz said the coalition government made tireless efforts to mend relations with the US in a diplomatic manner, while Imran ultimately changed his stance against the US.

He highlighted that the PTI regime violated an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the current government was attempting to repair that. He added that his predecessor made every effort for the country to default.

The prime minister continued that Imran had incurred every possible damage to the very fabric of society by promoting hatred and intolerance.