ISLAMABAD: Opposition leader in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah claimed on Tuesday that Nawaz Sharif came into power through “back-door negotiations” before the general elections in 2013.
The Pakistan People’s Party leader criticised the ousted prime minister for being silent when others were being suppressed. “He wants the best for himself but not others,” said Shah.
Dwelling further on the tenure of Nawaz, Shah stated that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid had failed to deliver on his promise to end load-shedding in the country.
Speaking on the upcoming elections, Shah said politicians should ensure all parties have a level playing field. A political crisis hinders the development process of the country, he observed. “Our governments are not made through free and fair elections. Rigging and political maneuverings taint our election progress.”
Doubting the transparency of past elections, he lamented that the institutions were prevented to exercise their due autonomy to conduct free and fair elections. “If certain institutions continue to meddle in a dirty game, they will not be considered loyal to the nation.”
He maintained that the Election Commission of Pakistan has had a constitutional right to ensure that the general elections were conducted in a free and fair environment. He urged ECP to create a situation that did not leave space for rigging allegations. “Transparent elections strengthen the state.”
Separately, Leader of the Opposition in Senate Sherry Rehman Tuesday said that democratically elected leaders disgrace the country when they consider themselves above the law and parliamentary process.
Speaking to the media Tuesday, the PPP senator, referring to PML-N, said they had claimed there was no level playing field in politics. “Despite having their returning officers (RO) in place, they allege election process to be rigged.”
Echoing Shah’s views, Rehman claimed PML-N only practices politics of “personal interest”. “What have they [PML-N] done to ensure transparent elections? They do not engage in confidence-building measures if the purpose does not serve them.”
The PPP leader said since PML-N had made the accountability process a joke, they must endure the same fate.
Published in Daily Times, April 11th 2018.
