Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday condemned the assassination attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan which took place in Wazirabad earlier this week.
“The attack is condemnable, however, when the nation is being pushed towards devastation by false narratives it is my responsibility that I play a positive role to protect the people,” he said, addressing a press conference in Lahore. The Premier extended his wishes to Khan and other people injured in the attack, hoping for their speedy recovery and prayed for the victim who was shot dead in the attack.
PM Shehbaz urges CJP Bandial to form full court commission to probe Imran’s allegations
PM Shehbaz then demanded that Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Umar Ata Bandial, constitute a “full court commission” to probe allegations levelled by Khan wherein he accused the premier, the federal interior minister, and a senior military official General Faisal Naseer, of planning the assassination attempt on him.
“I think this is the need, that there should be an immediate decision based on justice this time. I request the chief justice to form a full court commission with all honorable and respectable judges for the greater interest of this country and to end this discord and chaos,” the prime minister told the press members.
“I will immediately request this via a letter in writing, and I hope this request will be supported. And if you do not accept this request, these questions will remain forever. This fitna and sazish will be buried only when facts come to light,” said the perturbed prime minister.
Khan is attacking the Pakistan army in a way an enemy would do: PM Shehbaz
“Imran Khan’s tales are full of contradictions. I cannot, for even a moment, waste my time thinking that this man — who Allah granted a new life — is lying day and night. Today, he is attacking the Pakistan army in a way an enemy would do,” said Shehbaz Sharif, slamming the former prime minister.
He then slammed the PTI chief for his comments against state institutions, particularly Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and his family, and lamented that enemy nations were celebrating the critical situation in Pakistan.
“What else would an enemy country like India want? They are celebrating today. India’s TV channels are excited to see Khan speak ill about the ISI and military institutions as [the PTI chief] is levelling severe allegations against them that one couldn’t even think about,” PM Shehbaz said, deeming Khan an “idol of lies — from tip to toe”.
“Unfortunately, he is trying to derail the nation. But this country of 22 million people will be protected by Allah,” he promised.
‘Punjab govt should be held accountable’
Not sparing the PTI-led Punjab government, Shehbaz Sharif stressed that it was their responsibility and that, “they should be held accountable for the incident.”
He added that the Inspector-General of Police and Chief Secretary belongs to them and asked why they haven’t conducted a forensic of the four bullets which the Punjab government has claimed hit Khan.
“On October 28, the federal agency wrote a letter to the Punjab government about threats of terrorist attacks on Khan’s long march,” the Premier said, adding that it was the provincial administration’s responsibility to ensure safety after the letter was shared with them.
The Premier further added that the Punjab government should be questioned about the incident and about the delay in registering the first information report.
Will quit politics if Khan shows evidence: PM Shehbaz
PM Shahbaz also challenged the PTI chief to present evidence proving his, Rana Sanaullah’s, or General Faisal’s involvement.
He maintained that if Khan successfully shows evidence to the people that he was behind the attack, then “I don’t have a right to continue to hold the Prime Minister’s Office.”
Berating Khan for his “false conspiracies”, the Prime Minister called Khan out for criticising the institution which gave several sacrifices. “Nobody can say such poor things against this institution,” he added.
In response to a question regarding Senator Azam Swati’s video — which has surfaced on social media — PM Shahbaz said that the matter has been brought to his knowledge and he has directed the Ministry of Interior to take notice. He vowed to bring the findings in front of the people.
