Issue of missing persons must be resolved: Khawaja Asif

PML-N leader says the pressing issue needs urgent attention

ISLAMABAD:

Senior PML-N leader Khawaja Asif has stressed the urgent need to address the longstanding issue of missing persons in Balochistan.

Addressing the media in Islamabad, he expressed concerns over the prevailing situation in the province, saying it was high time that the unfortunate norm of missing persons was resolved.

"The time has come for a change in Balochistan. The pressing problem of missing persons needs to be resolved," he added.

The PML-N further urged the Baloch leadership, who have held power for several decades, to prioritise the welfare of the people.

Read also: PM says blaming state for missing persons not justified

Asif mentioned the existence of private prisons owned by influential individuals, where people are reportedly held against their will. He called for an end to such practices.

Expressing his gratitude for being appointed as the parliamentary leader by the party leadership, Khawaja Asif conveyed his satisfaction with the role.

Commenting on the aftermath of the May 9 riots and the legal proceedings against PTI's leadership, Asif asserted that criminal cases related to the incidents cannot be dropped based on the preferences of newly-elected chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, or any other chief minister.

‘PTI’s mudslinging’

Meanwhile, PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal advised the PTI leaders to stop its mudslinging campaign and focus their attention and energies on serving people as the country needed national unity at this time.

“PTI has a track record of instigating chaos and blaming others for involvement in electoral rigging”, he said while talking to a private news channel outside the National Assembly.

He said that the PTI founder will not receive the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), adding, “he must demonstrate his innocence in court.”

He also emphasised political stability, which, he states, is vital for achieving economic stability in the country.

To strive for economic stability, all differences must be set aside, he said adding that there is a need for mutual unity for political and economic stability in the country.

Replying to a question, he said that in the past, the PML-N had set a shining example of economic progress and stability and that it would take concrete and practical steps to further improve the economy.

“The era of Nawaz Sharif was a golden era of progress and prosperity. Under the visionary leadership of Nawaz, we will tread the path of happiness and progress for the country”, he concluded.

(With input from APP)