Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif has declared that he did not acknowledge President Asif Ali Zardari as the legal president of Pakistan. He said this while expressing his chagrin over federal government’s refusal to provide him with a helicopter to visit a rape victim in Shahkot. He publicly harangued President Zardari for being over-possessive about billions worth of helicopters meant for official use.
While talking to the media at the victim’s house, he said that he had made the long journey to the rape victim’s house to reconcile her regarding her tragedy, despite having a severe backache.
The 16-year-old girl, first-year college student was gang-raped in the Shahkot area.
Shahbaz strongly condemned the incident and expressed deep regrets over the bail granted to criminals, saying that all efforts would made to get this bail cancelled and mete exemplary punishment to all involved criminals.
Expressing his strong resolve to assure rule of law and constitution, he announced forming a committee for a transparent enquiry of the incident.
He also informed the media that he had urged on the hapless victim not to be discouraged and continue her further studies with vigor, and announced that Punjab government would fund her future education.
Shahbaz denies Zardari’s presidency
