Nawaz chooses Ayaz for NA speaker

LAHORE:

PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday named party president and his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif as the candidate for the country’s next prime minister and nominated Ayaz Sadiq for the slot of National Assembly speaker.

Anticipating the challenges facing the nation, the PML-N Quaid forewarned that the next one-and-a-half to two years would be difficult for the country, advising his party’s parliamentarians to maintain unity in the face of impending adversity.

The development took place during the PML-N’s joint parliamentary meeting in the provincial capital.
Addressing the huddle, Nawaz praised his younger brother, stating that Shehbaz must be commended for his “dedicated and courageous service” during the last sixteen months of his tenure as premier, which helped prevent the country from defaulting.

The PML-N supremo remarked that if he were in Shehbaz's position, he would not have been able to work effectively under those conditions.

He stated that Shehbaz was the “best choice” in¬¬ the given circumstances, underscoring that during their tenure they would focus on “healing Pakistan” and lead it out of crises.

He observed that fixing the country today appeared to be a daunting task, adding that the next one-and-half to two years would be challenging, as tough decisions were needed to be made.

“If we perform our duties with good intention, Almighty will extend his help,” Nawaz said.

“Primary goal is to provide relief to people in gas and electricity prices, tackle inflation and stabilize rupee dollar parity. We will have to proceed with a preplanned roadmap in order to succeed.”

Read more: NA inaugural session summoned on Thursday despite president’s objection

Taking a jibe at PTI, Nawaz stated that his party leaders should not pay heed to allegations of rigging, emphasizing t¬hat they stood against those who disregard logic.

He noted that only those elections were deemed fair by the former ruling party where they emerged victorious, whereas they cried foul and claimed rigging if they lost.

The PML-N supremo recalled that in 2013, the PTI made similar “false claims” that later turned out to be “nothing but a pack of lies”.

However, he conceded that given the overall scenario, the mood of the current parliamentary meeting was not as upbeat as it used to be in past.

Read more: Alvi strikes defiant note on NA session

Without naming Imran, Nawaz recalled that when the PTI founder fell off stage at a rally in 2013, he visited him in the hospital and suspended his election campaign for the day.

Nawaz recounted that following the election victory, he paid another visit to Imran at his Bani Gala residence where they agreed to work together towards enhancing living standards in the country.

He said despite the PTI’s plans to organize sit-ins and rallies in London against them, the PML-N remained committed to fulfilling its election promises.

Taking a swipe at the retired judges who had issued his disqualification decision, the PML-N supremo questioned their whereabouts, asking whether they could even face the public.

He reiterated that he was ousted for not accepting salary from his son.

“Where is Justice Saqib Nisar?” he asked.

Earlier in the meeting, Shehbaz extended a warm welcome to independent MNAs Barrister Aqeel Malik, Waseem Qadir, Rashid Akbar Khan Nawani and Raza Hayat Hiraj to the party.

He also expressed admiration for his brother, stating that counting the project planks laid during Nawaz’s tenures would be an extensive endeavour, taking months to complete.

“Nawaz laid a network of infrastructure projects, nearly ended loadshedding and eradicated terrorism during his term. Despite being ousted unfairly Nawaz did not resort to arson or vandalism.”

In a reference to the PTI which is accused of being involved in the May 9 incident, Shehbaz remarked that while Zulfiqar Bhutto was hanged and Benazir was assassinated, no one directed their attention towards GHQ.

He also censured President Arif Alvi for “trampling Constitution under his feet” by not calling the assembly session within the constitutionally defined timeline.

Shehbaz said they would take decisions in consultation with other parties while ensuring the participation of state institutions.

He also presented a resolution wherein the party reposed its trust in Nawaz and vowed to work with dedication under his leadership to meet the expectations of the people.