Leaders of ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Monday vowed to maintain normal life during Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Islamabad lockdown on November 2. Addressing a press conference, Talal Chaudhary and Mohammad Zubair Umar said PTI chairman Imran Khan and his political ally Sheikh Rasheed of Pakistan Awami Muslim League (PAML) were giving a perception that Islamabad lockdown was being supported by the military.
Replying a question, Talal Chaudhry said the government had made it clear that over past years, Pakistani institutions gained more maturity, and no institution intended to violate the set Constitutional limits. "Imran Khan is dragging the military for putting weight behind anti-government campaign," Talal added. They said PTI's Islamabad lockdown was tantamount to revolt against the state and the government would take all measures to safeguard the national interests and basic rights of citizens of twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Muhammad Zubair said the PTI chairman was the first owner of an offshore company in history of country, adding he should present himself for accountability before the relevant institutions instead of levelling allegations against others. Talal Chaudhary said the case of Panama allegation was sub-judice as Supreme Court had issued notices to all relevant parties and PTI chairman should wait for decision of the court. "When the apex court has taken up the matter of Panama Leaks so protest on this issue is baseless," Talal pointed out.
They said Imran Khan and his companions were found involved in tax evasion and money laundering and thus they were trying to hide their corruption by such a campaign, adding they should not malign national institutions for achieving their objectives. PML-N leaders also questioned the lavish life style of PTI chairman, saying he was hiding his corruption behind Shaukat Khanum Cancer Memorial Hospital. "How a person retired from the cricket 24 years ago can own a 300 kanal house in Islamabad and what are the sources of his income?" they questioned.
They asked why the PTI leaders were not responding regarding their own corruption at public forums like Parliament and other state intuitions. On one side, world is acknowledging that Pakistan was developing on all fronts while on the other side only certain elements wanted to unseat Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Those questioning prime minister's patriotism also called Fatima Jinnah a traitor. Pointing towards Lal Masjid, they said Imran Khan requested administration of Masjid to join his lockdown.
"Imran Khan is dragging Army into his campaign to develop a perception among his supporters and PTI workers that he has support of the top leadership of the state institution which will put weight behind his movement," said Talal Chaudhry. In disguise of accountability, an attempt was being made to damage the system and Chairman PTI wanted to achieve his goals on which the both PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehreek had failed in achieving in 2014, Zubair added.
He said any kind of rebellion would not be tolerated although security would be provided in the case of protest. "Would you reach Islamabad with government vehicles and protocol?" asked the PML-N leader. Zubair said the interior minister had offered Imran Khan to name an investigation officer according to his choice, however, he named a retired officer who as per law was not authorized to investigate Panama papers leaks like issues.
Replying a question with respect to Pakistan Peoples' Party leader Aitzaz Ahsan's statement that although the PPP was not part of the PTI's November 2 lockdown, but if the government uses force against the PTI workers he (Aitzaz Ahsan ) will join the movement, PML-N leaders said that PPP leader should join Imran Khan right now.