- Ex-PM claims ‘pre-poll rigging’ has begun
ISLAMABAD: Deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday, referring to the recent harassment of journalists, said “unknown forces” are operating in the country and the situation needs to change for the betterment of Pakistan.
On June 5, journalist and senior anchorperson Gul Bukhari was on her way to appear in a TV show when her vehicle was intercepted in Lahore. She was later returned to her residence. In a separate incident, senior journalist and television anchorperson Asad Kharal was reportedly attacked by “masked men” near Allama Iqbal International Airport.
The incidents occurred just a day after Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor had pointed to growing “negative propaganda” on social media against Pakistan and its institutions, including the army.
“We have the capability to monitor social media as to who is doing what,” the ISPR DG had said.
Speaking to the media outside the accountability court conducting corruption proceedings against the Sharif family, Nawaz claimed pre-electoral rigging has already begun in the country.
“Ahead of elections, there is always a debate regarding rigging and it has already started,” the former premier said. “Rigging was initiated the day I was removed as the president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and was disqualified for life,” he added.
Lamenting that the Senate tickets he had distributed to party members had also been declared null and void, the former premier questioned, “Is there another example of not being allowed to contest on Senate tickets that were handed out?”
Nawaz further said, “Suo motu notices are taken on every issue but when PML-N leaders are forced to join other parties then there’s no notice.”
He said that progress and change are inevitable, and will take place soon. When asked regarding his summon in the Asghar Khan case, the former premier said he was waiting for Barrister Zafarullah Khan, and a decision will be made after consulting Khan.
Responding to a question regarding TV presenter Reham Khan’s upcoming book, Nawaz said, “Imran Khan and his people would know about her book, not me.”
“I’ve only read about the book in newspapers,” he added.
