Asif specifies time of assemblies’ dissolution

SIALKOT:

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday said that the assemblies would be dissolved after completing their term, and political parties within the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance would consider a common candidate or seat adjustment strategy.

Addressing a workers’ convention here, Asif emphasised that the power to choose the next rulers was in the hands of the people through their votes.

The incumbent coalition government successfully ran for the past 14 months and would complete its term in a month, he said, adding that though they had the option of dissolving the assemblies immediately, doing so would had further harmed the economy.

He acknowledged the issue of electricity and gas theft in the country, stating that if it continued, stability would remain elusive.

“There are cities where up to 85 per cent of electricity and gas are illegally obtained,” he added.

Asif commented on the successful no-confidence motion, attributing its success to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) failure to consider its allies.

He mentioned that despite opposition from his colleagues, the individual in question dissolved the assemblies and relinquished power.

As a consequence of PTI chief’s ill-advised actions, the planned attacks on Pakistan Army installations were revealed, leading to the darkest day in the country’s history on May 9, he added.

Recalling recent sacrifices made for the nation, Asif spoke about the burial of a soldier’s son and the martyrdom of numerous soldiers and officers over the past six months.

He criticised the individual who challenged the defence guarantee agency, emphasising that they would pay the price for their political mistakes.

Asif noted that politics in Pakistan should not revolve around the lust for power, and even the establishment had made its own mistakes in pursuit of power.

He mentioned the arrests of PDM leaders, emphasising that while political workers endured difficulties with honour and dignity during tough times, the PTI leaders were currently evading accountability.

He also pointed out that even the representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should reconsider their association with the PTI fugitives and advertisers when engaging with the people of Pakistan.

Separately, Manzoor Hussain Wasan, a senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and adviser to Sindh chief minister on agriculture, made predictions regarding the dissolution of assemblies and the timing of general elections.

He stated that the assemblies would likely be dissolved between Aug 8 and 10, with the general elections scheduled for Nov instead of Oct.

Wasan explained that the decision to hold the elections in Nov was influenced by the hot weather in Oct and the need for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to have sufficient time for preparations.

He emphasised that the PPP firmly supported holding the elections on time, ensuring that the results truly represented the will of the people.

Regarding the upcoming elections, Wasan cautioned that there would also be a purge, with many individuals facing legal consequences. “Some would face charges, and go to jail, while others may be cleared of any wrongdoing,” he added.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)