Pakistan

Aitzaz plods through level-playing field debate

PPP leaders say PML-N’s version of level-playing field not acceptable to voters

Our Correspondent November 07, 2023

LAHORE:

Prominent lawyer and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader, Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, has waded into the contentious political debate surrounding a level playing field for political parties in the country.

Speaking to the media at the Lahore High Court (LHC), Ahsan stressed the need for a "true level playing field" and expressed his disagreement with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding this matter.

Ahsan noted that the PML-N's concept of a level playing field, as advocated by Maryam Nawaz, was not acceptable to the voters. He pointed out that Maryam Nawaz's demand appeared to be conditioned on the acquittal of former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif in all cases and the imprisonment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

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Ahsan questioned the inconsistency of allowing Nawaz Sharif to move freely despite his convictions while restricting Imran Khan's participation.

He argued that Imran Khan's exclusion from the elections could lead to controversy. Ahsan stressed that what PML-N might consider a level playing field for the elections did not align with the voters' perspective.

He warned that such actions could strengthen Imran Khan's position and even lead to multiple votes for PTI on the ballot paper.

Ahsan also highlighted that providing protocol to a convicted individual was, in essence, an offense.

He recalled a statement from Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq in 2021, suggesting that Nawaz Sharif, as a proclaimed offender, had forfeited the right to an audience. However, he noted that, with time, biometric facilities were extended to the PML-N leader at the airport.

Regarding the possibility of Nawaz Sharif becoming prime minister for a fourth time, Ahsan explained that this would require a parliamentary amendment, which was not currently in place. He also stressed the need for a comprehensive Afghan policy to prevent potential anarchy stemming from the present situation.