KARACHI: Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the leader of the PML-N, stated that they do not want to see anyone barred from politics hours before the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision in the Toshakhana reference against PTI Chairman Imran Khan.
“We don’t want anyone to be eliminated. In an interview with the media in Karachi, the former prime minister stated that there should be competition in politics.
The PML-N leader was in the port city for the purpose of testifying before an accountability court over a complaint that the National Accountability Bureau filed against him regarding the improper hiring of the former managing director of Pakistan State Oil. Without any further action today, the court has continued the hearing until November 25.
The former prime minister claimed that backdoor negotiations have always failed, which is apparently a response to Imran Khan’s remark that the backchannel is open.
Appointment of an army chief
Regarding the choice of the new army head, the PML-N leader told the media that the Shehbaz Sharif-led administration would name General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s successor prior to his retirement on November 29.
“The Army Chief has stated that he does not want a prolongation. He has announced himself, which is a good tradition, Abbasi informed the reporters. The selection of the following chief, he said, was a normal task that needed to be completed on time.
In court for the third year
Speaking about his case, Abbasi bemoaned the fact that after his third appearance before the court, no progress has been made.
The National Accountability Bureau has “paralysed people’s life,” according to the former prime minister.
Abbasi said, “People went to jail and had to stop their enterprises. Will NAB be able to compensate for the loss of these people?”
The PML-N leader also questioned whether former NAB chairman Javed Iqbal would be willing to disclose his financial situation. He claimed that people who repeatedly lock up innocent bystanders are unable to divide their possessions.
“I have advocated for the elimination of NAB from the start. The PML-N leader suggested that the Supreme Court look at what the NAB has accomplished in the last 30 years.