LAHORE: Refuting claims by Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) that it had consulted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over probable names for a caretaker prime minister, PTI chairman Imran Khan said that PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have struck a deal to award each other five-year terms ‘to rule over the masses.’
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Khan said his party would foil the ‘nefarious designs’ of both PPP and PML-N. He added that if PTI could not form its government in the centre, they would prefer playing the role of an active opposition rather than join hands with either party in a bid to become part of a post-election setup.
PTI central information secretary Shafqat Mehmood termed the statements of Leader of the Opposition Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan baseless, and said that PTI had not circulated the names of Shoaib Suddle or Abdul Razzak Dawood for caretaker prime minister.
He added that when PML-N would contact the party for any consultation on the matter, PTI would hold party deliberations and announce its stance publically.
Poor performance in Punjab
Lamenting the deterioration of public services in Punjab, the PTI chairman lambasted the PML-N for performing worse than the PPP-led federal government.
Armed with figures, Khan said that while average growth rate of the country was 3.4%, Punjab had grown by a mere 2.5% during the past four-and-a-half years.
Taking a shot at the worsening energy crisis, PTI leader said that under article 157 of the 18th Amendment, provincial governments have the mandate to produce electricity.
However, Shahbaz Sharif had taken the option of scoring political points against the federal government rather than add one megawatt to Punjab to alleviate the suffering of the common man, Khan said.
He added that the law and order situation in Punjab was also abysmal as there had been an overall increase of 12% in crimes. According to data, crimes against property increased by 37%, robbery by 109%, murder 15% and rape 22%.
Punjab government wasted Rs21 billion on Rapid Bus Transit System, Khan said.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2012.
COMMENTS (6)
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There is no difference between PPP and PMLN.These two parties are responsible for the economic downfall of Pakistan.They keep on blaming each other to cover each other's incompetence and corruption.
Dear Mr IK, please remember the half truths are also half lies. You pointed out Punjab's inability to add electricity but failed to mentioned Federal govt's hinderences in Punjab govt's electricity projects. No doubt people started thinking of PTI as B team of PPP.
IK's arrogance will sink PTI. Now the birds have started to flow out of PTI and all refer to his conceited policies which is worrisome for the young generation who has high hopes.
Like the PTI themselves boycotted elections, they should continue to do so this time as well and blame PML-N for their reason....
@sabi: What good this NRO based parliament has done for the masses???
PTI you boycotted the previous election while not prepared for election and use it as point scorinng as no election under NRO. Now again you running from field because of fear of sure failure of tsunami boasts.Again point scoring for 'election rigged'.Secretly you know both parties will select a person which you can not dissagree.Typical of right wingers.