ISLAMABAD: After the report of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family, the opposition parties have come on same page regarding PM’s resignation and said he should defend himself after leaving his office on Tuesday.
The opposition parties including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have taken the stance that there will be no threat to democracy if Nawaz steps down.
Opposition Leader in National Assembly Khurshid Shah met PTI Vice president Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday and said if PM Nawaz wants to save democracy, he should immediately resign, and there will be no damage to the system. Shah assured that opposition will have no reservation if Nawaz brings forward a new PM.
Meanwhile, PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Nawaz Sharif is left with no moral, political and legal authority to stay on PM’s post after the JIT report. Qureshi reminded Nawaz Sharif of the promise that he made to the country on the floor of the House last year in which he guaranteed to resign without wasting a moment if any evidence is found against him in the investigations.
Shah Mahmood asserted that the moment has now come. We (PTI) and Pakistan People’s Party have same stance over PM’s resign, and Bilawal Bhutto has supported Imran Khan’s statement in this regard, he added.
PTI’s Opposition Leader in Provincial Assembly Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed has submitted a resolution in Punjab Assembly demanding PM’s resignation. It has been stated in the resolve that Nawaz Sharif does not remain eligible under Article 62, 63 after the report, and should step down immediately.
Dr. Babar Awan, who recently joined PTI, said there is no reason left behind for PM Nawaz to hold his office. He further said that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar should be arrested after termination. PTI spokesperson Naeem-ul-Haque said Nawaz Sharif is an obstacle in country’s progress which should be removed.
Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) chief Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that democracy will suffer if PM delays his resignation. The supremacy of law and constitution should be maintained, he remarked. On the other hand, lawyers’ organizations have also demanded the resignation of Nawaz Sharif, and given him one week to step down.
In a press conference, Lahore High Court Bar secretary and other members said Nawaz has lost all authorities to remain the premier of this country, and announced to stage nationwide protests if he does not resign in seven days.
The lawyers have also decided to carry the initial rally against Nawaz Sharif at Lahore’s Mall Road on Thursday. Let it be known that it has been decided to summon National Assembly’s session after the JIT report.