Kaira denies early poll statement attributed to Khursheed Shah

Kaira says Khursheed Shah said no such thing and is a victim of 'character assassination'

Peoples Party (PPP) leader Qamar Zaman Kaira on Wednesday refuted media reports which quoted Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Khursheed Shah as saying the prime minister could call snap polls if he voluntarily decides to do so. 

The PPP leader, while speaking at the Lahore Press Club, said he has been screaming himself hoarse since yesterday to clarify that Shah had not made any such statement.

"Ask Khursheed sb, ask me, Shah sb did not say anything like that," Kaira added.

The PPP leader went on to rebuke those criticising Shah unnecessarily.

"What is the reason for Khursheed sb to be a victim of this character assassination?" he asked. "That too for something he has not done. He is a senior political worker and he should be treated like one."

Earlier, Shah had told journalists in his chamber at the Parliament House that if the situation arises, the prime minister can himself call for snap elections.

"It will not be appropriate to force the prime minister to resign at gunpoint. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will not accept any midterm polls in such a situation,” Shah was quoted as saying.