Khursheed Shah demands Shehbaz’s apology over press conference debacle

ISLAMABAD: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah on Wednesday demanded Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif to apologise to the people of Pakistan over the press conference that took place on Tuesday in Lahore regarding the arrest of the alleged serial killer involved in the rape and murder of seven-year-old Zainab Ameen and seven other minor girls in Kasur city.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Khursheed Shah criticised Punjab government officials on clapping and exchanging congratulatory messages while announcing the arrest of the suspected ‘serial killer’ Imran Ali, stating that such an action was akin to “rubbing salt” on the wounds of Zainab’s parents.

Shah further stated that the cheering during the press conference was a “slap in the faces” of Kasur’s 250 children and the 12 minor girls who were sexually abused.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore Tuesday night, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally announced the arrest of the key suspect in the gruesome case.

“Our collective efforts have borne fruit and the murderer has been arrested,” the chief minister announced to loud applause. He thanked various ministers, officials and members of intelligence agencies for tracking down the rapist.

Criticising the overall jubilant mood of the press conference, Shah stated that culprits are apprehended all over the world but clapping and cheering after arresting a criminal was unheard of.

He further suggested that a resolution should be introduced in the assembly to condemn the Punjab government’s action.

“If the world’s second-biggest lab is in Lahore, why were the other suspects not apprehended?” he asked.

Continuing on, he sarcastically asked when would sharif be getting a similar applause for the arrest of the suspects in the Kasur child sexual abuse scandal.