- Finance Minister Ishaq Dar says ongoing political crisis had cost a lot to the businesses, argues prime minister could not be removed according to PTI chief’s wishes which were unconstitutional
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday claimed that the ongoing political crisis has caused Rs 300 billion worth of losses at the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE).
Addressing a press conference held at the Finance Ministry, Dar argued that the current political crisis was an “attempt to destabilise the country”.
“Imran Khan knows very well that his demands [for caretaker setup] are unconstitutional. The prime minister cannot be removed according to his wishes,” the minister said, rejecting the white paper of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) on the financial budget 2014-15.
The finance minister said wisdom should prevail and this political instability must come to an end. He said the prime minister’s proposal should be accepted and the judicial commission should investigate the rigging allegations. He said for the next elections, all political parties needed to focus on bringing electoral reforms to make election process more credible.
Replying to a question, Dar said the prime minister had received an offer through a political party for recounting in 10 constituencies to allow PTI to roll back its plan of agitation and he had responded positively after consultation with political parties. He said all political parties consulted were of the opinion that there was no harm in recounting if modalities are worked out within the bounds of law and the Constitution. He said political parties also share the same view that the so-called revolution march should be handled administratively.
BUDGET FITS WELL:
Moreover, contrary to PTI chief Imran Khan’s allegations, the minister said that the economy had “over-performed” during the last one year as a result of prudent and sagacious policies of the government. He said that this year’s budget carried not only measures for promotion of industrial and business activities but also for the agriculture sector.
As many as Rs 500 billion has been allocated in the budget for disbursement of loans amongst the farmers besides subsidy has been given to them on other agriculture inputs. Livestock and crop insurance schemes are other major initiatives for the growth of agriculture sector.
NO PREDICTED PTI’S WIN:
Furthermore, while addressing a news conference with finance minister, Federal Minister for Privatisation Commission Zubair Omar said that no international or local institution had predicted PTI’s victory in 2013 elections.
He said that victory of PML-N on 130 seats was predicted by various international organisations including Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). He said FAFEN in its post-election report declared elections as free and fair. He said over 40,000 representatives of the organisation monitored elections inside polling stations and results of 264 out of 272 constituencies were similar to that of Election Commission.
The minister also said that according to Tasneem Durrani report, PTI lost elections due to his party’s internal dynamics. He said Khan did not like to pay attention to anyone’s words. He said if PTI’s polling agents were not trained then he must accept his incompetence.