PM vows to publicly name and shame Senate ‘horse-traders’

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–Abbasi says has repeatedly asked colleagues not to pass statements against army and judiciary

–Says ‘whatever happened in Balochistan will weaken democracy’, has put province in spotlight 

 

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday said that he has repeatedly emphasised on the need to abstain from passing statements on the military and judiciary, as he vowed to publicly name and shame ‘horse-traders’ in the upcoming Senate polls.

The PM verbalized these views on the contempt of court cases against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders in a TV interview on Wednesday night.

While speaking on the show, the prime minister said that neither is there any room in the law or constitution nor is there any need to pass statements on the country’s military and judiciary.

“I have specifically said in the cabinet and parliamentary meetings not to pass [such] statements,” he said.

“If anybody’s sentiments have been hurt, then they should apologise,” said the PM while commenting on contempt of court cases against PML-N’s Tallal Chaudhry and Daniyal Aziz.

HORSETRADING IN SENATE POLLS:

Abbasi also vowed to publicly name and shame ‘horse-traders’ in the upcoming Senate elections.

“[Definitely], we will name and shame the [horse-traders], they should be held accountable. We will publicly name and shame them.”

He said that he visited Quetta to ask party leaders about the reasons for bringing a no-confidence motion against the chief minister.

“Whatever happened in Balochistan, it will weaken democracy. The entire country will have its eyes on Balochistan during Senate elections,” he said.

Abbasi said the ones, who paid money to secure votes, cannot represent the province in the Senate.

He said the government’s job is to improve policies and maintained that he has furthered them. “There’s no example of the initiatives undertaken by the incumbent government in past 65 years.”
The prime minister said that the law and the constitution do not allow a politician to speak against institutions, however, individuals say emotional things at rallies and public meetings.

‘WILL BRING MUSHARRAF BACK IF COURT ORDERS’:

Speaking with regard to Pervez Musharraf’s return to country, Abbasi said, “Musharraf went out of the country after court orders and if the court says, we will further expedite efforts to bring him back.”

He further said that being an independent candidate, he first contested an election 30 years ago on the wishes of the people of his constituency. “I neither changed the party, nor ever thought of it.”
The prime minister said if an individual commits a mistake by leaving the party, but returns later, then there is some room, adding, “Several people had been under pressure to leave the party, a few endured, others could not.”

PML-N’S CANDIDATE FOR PM:

In response to a question, he said that a final decision regarding PML-N candidate for next prime minister would be made after the general elections.

Abbasi said that a party finalises the name of a candidate only after having gained majority in the election. He, however, expressed hope that the PML-N will gain majority in the next elections.
Asked about Shehbaz Sharif being nominated for the next PM, he said a formal announcement regarding his nomination would be made through official sources.

Admitting the Punjab CM as one of the senior-most individuals in the party, the prime minister said Shehbaz has done a lot for the PML-N and he would have a key role in the victory in forthcoming elections. He elaborated that everyone acknowledges Shehbaz’s hard work in Punjab, including their worst opponents.

NAQEEBULLAH’S KILLING:

With regard to Naqeebullah killing case, Abbasi said extrajudicial killings by the police are not a solution to the issue.

He said efforts are being made to arrest Rao Anwar and the suspended police officer had better appear in court and defend himself.

“It is not in favour of Anwar to not appear before the court and he is declaring himself guilty by doing so.”

PAK-US TIES:

With regard to Pakistan-US relations, the prime minister said this is the first time that such statements are being issued by a US president.

He said if Washington wants it aid to be accounted for, then it should send a formal request.

Abbasi said the country is still functioning despite suspension of aid. “We want Pak-US ties to remain cordial; we never closed our doors for talks.”

Commenting on Afghanistan’s situation, he maintained that solution to Afghan issue lies in talks. “Pakistan is affected most for whatever happens in Afghanistan.”
He urged the Afghan government to resolve its issues through dialogue.

 

3 COMMENTS

  1. The PM himself is contradicting what he said and did. It was he who had said that Apex Court verdicts are worth throwing in dust bins and discussed Civil Military difference with Bloomberg.

  2. let us face it Mr.Pm you are a toothless PM!. Since your inaugration you call the disquaified pm as YOUR PM. Does it not amount to contempt of the judiciary? You have not censored your ministers from criticising the judiciary. You had a chance to show leadership but you have not led.. Benign leadership invites contempt.

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