SUKKUR: The prime minister, in a speech at the groundbreaking of a motorway section on Friday, equated the opposition parties agitating against his government with anti-state elements facing a military operation in the mountains.

“There is no difference between the enemies of the country against whom the Zarb-i-Azb operation is under way and the united opposition pursuing the politics of sit-ins,” Nawaz Sharif said at Salehpat after the ceremony marking start of work on the Sukkur-Multan portion of the Karachi-Lahore motorway.

He accused opposition parties of banding together to “impede development”, but expressed resolve that the government would “foil their designs” and complete all projects by 2018. “We will be able to win the the next general election by virtue of our performance in office.”

Imran Khan, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief, did not take long to launch a counter-attack. He said peaceful protest was a part of democracy.

Groundbreaking of Sukkur-Multan Motorway performed

“The prime minister was asked a simple question regarding the acquisition of apartments worth billions in London,” said Imran.

“Instead of giving us an answer, he started touring the country and blaming our earlier sit-in for delays faced in development schemes.”

The PTI chief advised Mr Sharif to follow the example of other democratic leaders following the Panama Papers revelations, alluding to the resignation of Iceland’s premier.

Imran Khan said Mr Sharif’s attitude implied that a prime minister can commit any crime, but could chant “democracy is in danger” if people questioned his conduct.

Motorways and highways

In his address, Nawaz Sharif said his government would continue to lay a network of highways, motorways and an economic corridor to link the country with other countries of the region. “The people will no longer be taken in by sit-ins.”

He said former military ruler retired Gen Pervez Musharraf had failed to prove any allegation of corruption against him despite trying his best from 1999 to 2008.

The prime minister could not restrain himself from indulging in political point scoring while making a reference to underpasses, bridges and roads being built in Sukkur and its vicinity. Taking a jibe at Khursheed Shah, Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly, he said: “I am building a motorway, underpasses, bridges and roads in Khursheed Shah’s area, but he is carrying out propaganda against me. I regard Mr Shah as my brother, but the PPP leader treats me as an opponent.”

He said he expected Mr Shah to support him to execute projects in Sindh.

The 393km, six-lane motorway will be completed in three years at a cost of Rs312 billion. It will pass through Pano Akil, Ghotki and Ubauro. It will have 11 interchanges, 10 flyovers and 426 underpasses.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2016