Mastikhel was the lawmaker who had tabled Friday’s resolution against the media in the provincial assembly. And legislators from the ruling PML-N made scathing criticism of the media, describing news persons as “blackmailers.” The resolution showed the frustration of lawmakers at increasing cases of forged degrees being reported by the media.
“The Punjab Assembly resolution was based on ill-intent,” PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif told journalists in London. “Lawmakers who contested the election on the basis of forged educational degrees have cheated on their electorate,” he added.
Describing the resolution as a conspiracy, Sharif also lashed out at his arch-rival, the PML-Q, saying that the party of the Chaudhrys of Gujrat was also involved in the conspiracy because they were frustrated over a by-election loss in their stronghold of Gujrat.
Sharif heaped praises on the media, saying that the journalist community played a vital role in the restoration of the judiciary and democracy in the country. He was referring to the role played by media in the reinstatement of dozens of judges sacked by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf and his subsequent ouster from power.
The former two-time prime minister lent full support to the media on the issue of forged educational degrees, saying that the PML-N condemned all such resolutions against the media. “No resolution should be passed that is based on ill -intent.”
Sharif regretted that a large number of lawmakers from his party were holding forged degrees. “They will not be awarded party tickets for the next general elections,” he said.
The PML-N chief also criticised the PPP-led coalition government, saying that corruption cases worth billions of rupees have been reported but the government was reluctant to move against the culprits despite the court rulings.
Sharif claimed that the steps taken by the government were undermining democratic traditions in the country. “The rulers are not allowing the judiciary to work independently, threatening the future of democracy in the country,” he added.
Referring to his 10 years in exile, the former premier said that he never compromised on his principles during his entire political career.
The younger Sharif also voiced support for the journalist community, regretting the Punjab Assembly resolution against the media. “It’s not the PML-N’s policy and together we will scrap this resolution,” Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said while speaking at a ceremony in Rahimyar Khan.
Referring to the countrywide protests by news persons, he said their anger was justified.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 11th, 2010.
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