Shah calls for caution amid PM slot contest

PPP leader voices reservations about Nawaz Sharif's candidacy for the coveted post

ISLAMABAD:

As the political hustle for the prime ministerial throne continues, PPP stalwart Khurshid Shah on Tuesday voiced his reservations about Nawaz Sharif's candidacy for the post, asserting that prudence should prevail in the political landscape.

The former federal minister expressed concerns over the legitimacy of Nawaz Sharif's victory in Lahore, alluding to perceived irregularities and raising questions about the electoral process.

"As a political worker, I am of the opinion that we should not touch anyone's mandate," he asserted, stressing the need to uphold the sanctity of electoral outcomes.

He maintained that his party would not entertain the inclusion of elected members from other parties as the mandates given by the people should be respected.

He specifically urged against any attempt to lure PTI-backed members of the National Assembly away from their party as “the real mandate rests with the people”.

Khurshid Shah also urged against the pattern of rotating the tenure of the prime minister among specific political entities.
"Playing with one's mandate is like playing with people's sentiments," the former federal minister warned, adding that that the electoral outcomes must not be tampered with.

He also advised against fixating on numerical pursuits and urged them to adhere to their slogan of 'vote ko izzat do' (respect the vote) and suggested that alternative candidates such as Shehbaz Sharif or Ayaz Sadiq could be considered for the prime ministerial post.

Commenting on the rigging allegations, Khurshid Shah pointed out that the Supreme Court had a crucial role to oblige the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to announce timely decisions based on Form 45.

The PPP leader said that responsibility would fall on the judiciary if election tribunals deviate from their obligations.
Emphasising the PPP's commitment to the state's interest, Shah clarified that PPP’s decisions would be guided by a sense of responsibility rather than imposition.