Pakistani PM orders immediate repatriation of former PM Nawaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD, Aug 26, 2020, Pakistan Today. Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed his administration to review all the legal aspects of former premier Nawaz Sharif’s case, and to make efforts for immediate repatriation of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader, a local news outlet reported on Tuesday, Pakistan Today reported.

The federal cabinet, which met in Islamabad, discussed the political atmosphere of the country. During the meeting, Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda, while expressing concern over authorities’ failure to arrest PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz after her party workers clashed with the security personnel outside the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) office in Lahore, said that the government will not allow her to leave the country, no matter what happens.

The cabinet decided not to give any concession to the former prime minister, saying that all were entitled to similar treatment under the rule of law.

PM Imran categorically stated that “the government would not be blackmailed over the tactics to get an NRO in shape of relief to the corrupt”.

The premier mentioned that two such National Reconciliation Ordinances (NROs) given by the previous governments incurred heavy financial losses to the country, pushing it to the verge of collapse under debts.

The cabinet noted that Nawaz misused the facility extended to him by the government. The cabinet was told that a request was made by the former prime minister in the court for bail on medical grounds and a guarantee for his return to the country was given by Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif.

In Al-Azizia Reference case, Nawaz was given bail on October 29, 2019, while on November 16, 2019, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed to remove his name from Exit Control List (ECL), allowing him a four-week bail to go abroad.

Both Nawaz and Shehbaz, in their personal affidavits had pledged to return, submit medical reports on regular basis, have no objection on the government representatives to examine his reports and extend full cooperation to the government.

The cabinet was informed that the counsels of Nawaz had filed a request for extension in his bail. In this regard, a medical board was constituted and opportunity of personal hearing was given on February 19, 20 and 21, however, neither appearance was made by Nawaz Sharif nor any report was submitted on his behalf. On February 27, 2020, the request for extension in bail was dismissed.

The cabinet was apprised that the government of United Kingdom (UK) was informed about the decision of IHC at the time of Sharif’s departure from the country, while the decision of Punjab government was conveyed on March 2.

It was discussed that Nawaz was in the UK on an extension visa granted by its government as an overall policy for visitors. A written judgment is awaited on the petition filed by the counsels of Nawaz in the IHC.

Reportedly, some ministers also raised the issue of disturbance during the National Assembly (NA) session on Monday, with one cabinet member highlighting the offensive language used by former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on the floor of the House.

Vawda said that the public did not vote for the lawmakers to hear them abuse in the House. He added that the government would respond bluntly if the opposition uses abusive language in the future.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said that the NA speaker should suspend the membership of the members who used abusive language in the lower house of the parliament.

The meeting was briefed about the quota system and especially its importance, after the merger of erstwhile tribal areas, and efforts to bring the people of those areas equal to other parts of the country.

The premier said that the quota system has been continuing as it was before and its sole objective is to bring people of the backward areas at part with rest of the country. He said that justice will be ensured while implementing the quota system.

The federal cabinet also approved inclusion of 61 food and non-food items in Compulsory Certification Mark Scheme in view of consumers’ health and protection.

The meeting was apprised that the government is making efforts to revive Roosevelt Hotel, which is a national asset, and to avert ever growing losses in this regard.

The cabinet was informed that a ship carrying 60,000 tonnes of wheat will arrive at Karachi port on Wednesday, while another ship will reach Pakistan with 60,000 metric tonnes of wheat on Friday. It was said that half million tonnes of wheat will reach Pakistan in September this year. The cabinet was briefed that a declining trend in wheat prices is being seen due to government’s timely efforts.

Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar told the meeting that prices of sugar have come down from Rs5 to Rs4 as a result of government’s steps and this reduction of prices will be seen at retail level in next two days.

Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam apprised the cabinet about steps taken for the increase in production of wheat, cotton and other crops, which include provision of quality seed.

The preier advised to formulate short-term, medium-term, and long-term policies to ensure food security.

The cabinet also appreciated efforts of Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed to take ML-1 project forward successfully.

The meeting expressed concern over problems being faced by the people of Sindh especially the residents of Karachi as a result of recent rains. The meeting also stressed the need for taking steps to address people’s problems.

Tags: Pakistan