LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday questioned “biased” accountability of the Sharifs while criticising political rivals of the PML-N.

“Accountability is that which is across the board. Presently, the N-League and the Sharifs are facing accountability [whereas] the accountability should be indiscriminate, all should be included and it should also be transparent,” he said, while talking to the media here on Tuesday.

He alleged that the then federal law minister, Babar Awan, had looted the Nandipur Power Project [by delaying issue of sovereign guarantee for it] and the Supreme Court had asked the NAB (National Accountability Bureau) to act against him but no action has so far been taken.

He recalled that during the PPP regime billions of rupees of the poor nation were “usurped” in rental power projects and robbery was committed in institutions like NICL (National Insurance Company Limited).

He said the Paradise Leaks has shown that how the corrupt encroached upon lands in the country and state lands were purchased at cheaper rates. “The Paradise Leaks has exposed characters like Niazi Sahib and others. These are those critical questions which need answers.”

He told a questioner about PPP-P leader Asif Zardari’s criticism of the government that “Zardari Sahib, who plundered Rs6 billion of the poor nation, is lecturing us today.”

Mr Shahbaz recalled that Mr Zardari did not [allow to] write a letter as per Supreme Court’s order to Swiss authorities for hiding his alleged corruption under constitutional covers.

Replying to a question, he said those talking about holding of the election before time have ruined the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and added that mendacity, allegations and U-turns are their characteristics. “I don’t find it suitable to reply to their useless talks.”

To another question, he said Nawaz Sharif is the leader of the PML-N and “whatever he (Nawaz) would decide we shall follow it in letter and spirit.”

He held the PTI responsible for delay in the completion of the Orange Line Metro Train.

“The case of Orange Line is in the court and the Lahore High Court has issued a stay order one and a half years ago against it. However, we approached the Supreme Court and the PTI has fully opposed this public welfare project and we hold the PTI responsible for the delay in this project,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2017