PM warns ‘miscreants’ of strict action as protests grip nation
PM warns ‘miscreants’ of strict action as protests grip nation
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Wednesday that strict action would be taken against “state’s enemies” as he slammed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for violence that gripped the country after PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.
“Imran Khan and PTI caused severe damages to sensitive installations of the country. Such scene had never been witnessed in 75 years. Many lives were endangered. Even ambulances were set on fire. Swat motorway was set on fire. Like enemy, installations of armed forces were attacked,” he said in a televised address to the nation.
The PM said that PTI managed to do what the enemy couldn’t in the past 75 years, adding that even the court declared Imran’s arrest as legal.
“I urge miscreants to abide by law otherwise they will face strict action. No one will be allowed to conspire against Pakistan. We will never let this conspiracy succeed,” he warned.
He saluted the people of Pakistan for rejecting PTI’s narrative, adding that police and Rangers personnel showed immense responsibility in providing security to the masses amid hostile situation.
“Rule of law means you go to court and face the law. All are equal in the eyes of the law,” he maintained. He pointed out that Imran Khan’s arrest was made due to corrupt practices and there was evidence against him in Al-Qadir Trust case which is being investigated by NAB.
He said that due to concerns of the business community and bureaucracy, it was necessary to make changes in NAB laws. “As per old NAB laws, anyone could be picked up for 90 days and it was impossible to get bail. We brought it down to maximum 15 days as per law.”
He pointed out that Imran Khan was the first beneficiary of the NAB amendments. Talking about court proceedings during PTI’s tenure, he said that not even a single case was proven against the PML-N leadership. “Not only Pakistan, UK also investigated. Details of 40 years were investigated by UK’s agency NCA which declared us innocent,” he added.
Shehbaz said that three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif went to over 100 NAB proceedings along with his daughter, adding that after former prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, the way PPP’s leadership acted was commendable. “History will always remember it in golden words. Zardari’s ‘Pakistan khappay’ slogan broke the enemies’ dream.”
He said that during the tenure of the PTI government, it used to be announced that opposition leader will be arrested and the arrest was made the next day. “Imran Khan used to say wicket is about to fall and it used to happen the next day,” he said and added that no one took notice of the situation at that time.
The premier emphasised that causing harm to government or private property falls under the category of terrorism, highlighting that the law treats the powerful and weak equally, which is the essence of Islam and the beauty of democracy. He called for the supremacy of the law, stating that it means individuals should fight for their rights through legal channels and courts. APP
