PML-N claims Imran seeking NRO from US, IMF

Ahsan Iqbal says PTI founder must prove his innocence in court of law

ISLAMABAD:

Ahsan Iqbal, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader, on Saturday claimed that the PTI was seeking a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) from the United States and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its founding chairman, but he (PTI founder) must prove his innocence in a court of law.

The NRO was a controversial ordinance issued by former president Gen Pervez Musharraf in 2007. It granted amnesty to politicians, political workers and bureaucrats who were accused of corruption.

The PML-N leader’s statement came after Imran, who is incarcerated at Adiala Jail in different cases, reportedly wrote a letter to the IMF asking that lending to the cash-strapped country be tied to an independent audit of the disputed Feb 8 elections.

While 31 members of the US Congress recently signed a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging them to not recognise a new government in Pakistan until an investigation into allegations of election interference has been conducted.

Speaking to the media flanked by PML-N leader Ata Tarar, the former planning minister said: “The PTI founder will not receive the NRO. He must demonstrate his innocence in court.”

In response to a query, Iqbal commented: “The PTI has a track record of instigating chaos and involvement in electoral rigging. The National Assembly speaker rejected the PTI’s claims.”

Expressing optimism regarding the PTI, Iqbal highlighted his party’s stance of not opposing the nomination of Omar Ayub for contesting the election of the prime minister, emphasising the PML-N’s adherence to democratic principles. Denouncing disruptive political tactics, he stressed zero tolerance for anarchic practices