Panel findings: PML-N, PTI should learn a sobering lesson, says Nisar

Says dismissal of rigging allegations is neither a victory nor a defeat for anyone

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan called upon both his party colleagues and political foes to draw a sobering lesson from the joint commission’s dismissal of rigging allegations that national issues can only be resolved in parliament and not on the street.

At the same time, the minister said that both the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) should treat the commission’s findings as neither  a victory nor a defeat for anyone.

“The report has lessons for both the PTI and the government that national issues can only be resolved in the parliament and not on streets,” Nisar told a news conference.

His statement comes days after the judicial commission released its report rejecting the PTI’s allegations of organised rigging in May 2013 polls.



The minister laid stress on the need to focus on positive aspects of the report rather than highlighting its shortcomings. “There are a multitude of issues relating to security, economy and geo-political situation and these can only be addressed with the unity of institutions, political parties and the masses,” he said.

Responding to a question regarding Rangers’ targeted operation in Karachi, the minister said the paramilitary force is conducting raids in the port city as per the mandate given to it under the law.

However, he admitted that law enforcers cannot arrest people in civilian dress as it is against the law. “Law enforcement agencies should follow the proper procedure,” he said.

Bury the hatchet

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan should learn a lesson from the Judicial Commission (JC) report, said the Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique on Saturday.

“Now bury the hatchet and think about the progress of the country,” he advised the PTI leadership.

“Imran Khan needs to show maturity in his politics,” he said speaking at a ceremony. The decision of the JC was according to the requirements of the law, the minister said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2015.