Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ruled out the possibility of military intervention in the country, saying that there “was no risk” to democracy in the country.
“I am ready to go all doors if there is sincerity and honesty for the sake of the future generations,” he said addressing a press conference in Lahore on Saturday which centered on the Financial Action Task Force’s decision to remove Pakistan from its “grey list” and the Toshakhana reference. He was flanked by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and adviser Attaullah Tarar.
Supreme Court judge Justice Qazi Faez while addressing the Asma Jahangir Conference in Lahore said that Pakistan needed democracy and the country should be led by the elected representative of the people.
When a reporter asked whether action would be taken against those individuals whose actions landed Pakistan on the FATF grey list, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif all but ruled out the possibility with his evasive response. “This is a serious question. What I believe is that we should look forward.”
Earlier, to a query PM Shehbaz said that he had earlier offered a national reconciliation for the charter of the economy which was rejected by the former premier.
Premier Shehbaz congratulated the nation on the removal of the country from the FATF money watchlist, adding that the government achieved success because of collective efforts.
Pakistan’s entry into the watchlist in 2018 created financial problems for the country. “Pakistan will be freed from the grey list forever,” he said.
The country has done a “great job” with the 35-point agenda set by the global money laundering and terrorism financing watchdog.
“This is an expression of our determination against terrorism,” PM Shehbaz said, “All institutions and concerned persons deserve congratulations.” He congratulated Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Hina Rabbani Khar for the feat.
“I want to congratulate Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa.” The bill related to the FATF demands was tabled in the National Assembly in the previous government.
Shehbaz, who in the past called Yousaf Raza Gilani convicted PM, this time called Imran Khan a “certified thief” after the Election Commission of Pakistan decision in the Toshakhana case.
A four-member bench of the ECP ruled against PTI chief Imran Khan on Friday, declaring him ineligible from holding public office under Article 63(i)(p) after announcing its verdict in the Toshakhana reference.
Article 63 (1) (p) of the Constitution states that an individual is, for the time being, disqualified from being elected or chosen as a member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament) or of a provincial assembly under any law for the time being in force.
However, the premier said that the ECP decision was a “moment of reflection not a moment of celebration”.
“Imran used to say that incumbent Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja was an honest man and no doubt he is,” he said while criticised his predecessor for lambasting his rivals.
“The nation would have saluted you if you had deposited money from selling state gifts in the treasury. I would’ve too despite being your political opponent,” he said, “Imran has disrespected Pakistan.”
