Politicians on Sunday showed a mixed reaction over the induction of caretaker Prime Minister Justice (r) Mir Hazar Khoso and homecoming of former president Pervez Musharraf.
Pakistan People’s Party leader Nasir Ali Shah said that there was no chance that situation could improve with the nomination of the caretaker PM. He added that the interim premier was only assigned to hold free and fair polls. He said it appeared impossible to hold free and fair polls in the current situation. “New premier has appeared with a task of holding free and fair polls, not to introduce any strong policy for the country, it would be a big achievement if he could hold transparent polls,” Shah said. He was of the view that as far as free and fair elections were concerned they were not possible because the election campaign was based on influx of money. When millions of rupees were involved in every constituency then how free and fair polls were possible, Shah questioned.
On the homecoming of Pervez Musharraf, he said that legally and constitutionally the former President Musharraf had a right to return back to the country, however, the Baloch were angry over his return because of his alleged involvement in the murder of Nawab Akbar Bugti.
PML-N Senator Pervaiz Rasheed said that his party had mentioned that they respected all four nominees prior to the appointment of the caretaker PM.
Over the return of the former president, the PML-N leader said that who asked him (Musharraf) to go into self exile; neither then government nor the opposition asked him to leave the country.
No one sent Musharraf back from the airport, Rasheed said, adding that the former president should be ashamed of himself because the PML-N leaders were sent back from the airport. To a question, Rasheed said Musharraf suspended the constitution and the move was not given any indemnity by parliament so the former military ruler should be presented before a court. “It is the duty of the state to punish former military dictator for his crimes against the nation, the state and the democracy,” He concluded.
PML-N spokesman Siddiqul Faroooq said under the constitution it was the ECP’s right to appoint the caretaker premier. “We hope that all political parties will cooperate with the Election Commission of Pakistan to keep the system functional.” He welcomed the return of Pervez Musharraf in capacity of being a common Pakistani citizen, however, insisted that the cases against Musharraf should be heard and he should be questioned that how and on what grounds he imposed the Provisional Constitution Ordinance (PCO). Jamat-e-Islami leader Farid Paracha raised objections over the appointment of caretaker PM Mir Hazar Khoso, saying that he was above 80 and how could he actively perform his duties? He also said even the CEC was also overage and could not actively ensure the free and fair polls.
Even there was a big question mark on the political affiliation of the caretaker PM, he said, “We respect the decision by the ECP. However, the decision cannot be termed as beautiful.” “It was the duty of politicians to not to include those names who were doubtful and were not being cited as transparent ones,” the JI leader added. On the homecoming of Pervez Musharraf, he said that his return was like challenging the whole system and nation. He added that the parties, including the MQM, which claimed to be champions of democratic norms were supporting the former military dictator.
Separately, Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain congratulated Mir Hazar Khan Khoso on becoming the caretaker PM, according to a private TV channel on Sunday. In a statement, Altaf hoped that Khoso would use his experience in holding free, fair, and impartial elections. The MQM chief also drew Khoso’s attention towards the changing of constituencies by the ECP. “This move, which MQM deems as not only illegal but also unconstitutional, is making the voters nervous”, said the MQM leader. He also hoped that Khoso would take action against what the MQM believed was an injustice to the residents of Karachi.
