Nawaz warns Zardari against ‘crossing limits’ as president

In a break with tradition, rejects rumours that the upcoming elections will be delayed.

LAHORE:

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Nawaz Sharif has warned President Asif Ali Zardari against ‘crossing his limits’ as president.

“Mr President, do not cross your limits as president… your doing so will make the results of the upcoming elections disputable,” said Nawaz at a seminar regarding the 40th death anniversary of Khawaja Rafique Shaheed here on Saturday.

The PML-N chief, in a break from tradition, rejected rumours that the upcoming general elections will be delayed. He said although there were ‘theories’ that certain elements were trying to postpone the elections, he would make sure this would nothappen.

Meanwhile, Nawaz indirectly criticised Dr Tahirul Qadri’s gathering scheduled for today (Sunday) under the title ‘Siasat Bachao ya Riasat Bachao’ (protect politics or protect the state). He credited politics for formulating the Constitution of Pakistan and establishing an independent judiciary, and added politics will provide the country’s people a chance to elect their next government.

Rights activist Asma Jahangir, who also spoke at the event, defended politics as well by comparing Pakistan’s situation favourably to Afghanistan. She maintained the reason behind the violence and unrest in Afghanistan was the lack of established political groups.

Meanwhile, she urged the PML-N chief to take foreign policy away from the ‘generals’ if he ever came to power.

Balochistan National Party leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal also addressed the gathering via phone. He stressed that the province, which was once safe for everyone, was not even safe for leaders now. He demanded an end to enforced disappearances and other injustices against the Baloch people.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2012.