Qaiser takes a dig at PML-N, PPP

Asks both parties to ‘show some respect and step aside from govt’

RAWALPINDI:

PTI leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser on Wednesday launched a diatribe against the PML-N and the PPP, saying the parties should “show some grace and step aside from the government’.

A day earlier, both the parties finally cooked up a deal to once again sew together a coalition government in the Centre. They reached a consensus on splitting up the power pie, deciding on crucial positions including prime minister, president, governorships, and chairman Senate.

Under the power-sharing recipe, Shehbaz Sharif is set to assume the role of prime minister once again, while Asif Ali Zardari will reoccupy the presidential chair.

In addition, the PPP is slated to assume the roles of Senate chairman and Punjab governor, while the governors in both Sindh and Balochistan will belong to PML-N.

The agreement put the brakes on the days of political limbo, potentially resolving the deadlock in the wake of the Feb 8 elections that left the national assembly hanging in the balance.

While negotiations unfolded for government formation, the PTI had formed an alliance with the Sunni Ittehad Council to secure the necessary numbers through reserved seats in the assemblies.

In a media talk outside Adiala Jail, PTI's Qaiser said Shehbaz had a 'minority stake' in the elections and the people never gave him the mandate for premiership.

“PML-N and PPP should show some grace and step aside from the government,” he said while censuring PML-N’s Ishaq Dar and his handling of the economy during his previous stints as finance minister.

“The PPP is telling the people that they are not a part of the government […] but you are taking the post of Senate chairman on their [PML-N’s] vote,” he lamented.