ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday said his party was standing by its decision to boycott the joint session of parliament to be held this week, which the Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to address.
Speaking to media representatives outside his Banigala residence, Imran said his party would not attend the joint session which he said would take place under a controversial prime minister who was facing charges of corruption.
He said “we welcome the Turkish president to Pakistan but at the same time, we do not want to endorse a prime minister who has broken the country's law and has engaged in corruption”.
Imran added that it had become impossible for PTI lawmakers to go to Parliament given the treatment that was meted out to party workers.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan for a two-day official visit this week. The government plans to convene a special joint sitting of parliament on Nov 17 so the Turkish president can address lawmakers.
Criticising the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, he said in the past seven months it had become clear that the government had changed its position several times in relation to its corruption. He added that proceedings in the apex court would further show how much the government has lied.
On the Panamagate case that is being heard in the Supreme Court, the PTI chairman said the government was telling more lies to hide its previous deceits. He further said that his party trusted the court and would accept however it decides to proceed on the matter.
Saad Rafique condemns PTI's decision
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique while talking to media condemned the decision of PTI to boycott the joint session of the Parliament.
“After meeting Ambassador of Turkey, PTI should have attended the joint session of Parliament,” Rafique said.
“Imran Khan is a threat to the national benefit,” PML-N leader added.
Rafique also lauded the bond between people of Pakistan and Turkey. “Love and respect to Pakistanis is taught in the Turkish homes and I feel proud whenever I visit Turkey,” he said.
