LAHORE: Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed has said the federal government has restored all clauses of Khatm-i-Nabuwwat law but spared those responsible for trying to amend the bill.

Speaking at a party membership campaign in Allama Iqbal on Sunday, Mr Rasheed said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) would make all efforts to hold all the responsible accountable.

He alleged that the PML-N and PPP were discreetly in contact and working to defame the Pakistan Army and judiciary and pushing the country towards anarchy. Chiding former premier Nawaz Sharif for his statements against the two institutions, he said the PTI had not given up its demand of dissolving assemblies and holding early elections.

Since the country was passing through very serious circumstances, he suggested the Supreme Court save the country while using its powers under Article 190.

He said the ideological group in PML-N had separated itself and weakened Nawaz’s authority in the party.

EJAZ CHAUDHRY: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Ejaz Chaudhry said his party is demanding early elections because functioning of the country has been paralysed due to the absence of the finance minister and a powerful prime minister.

Speaking at a party membership campaign event in Bahar Colony on Sunday, he said the finance minister as well as the disqualified prime minister’s sons had been declared absconders. PTI Chairman Imran Khan had vowed that the prime minister would be held accountable as soon as the Panama Papers revealed money laundering by Pakistani politicians. Imran Khan had presented himself before courts for any accountability, he added.

Referring to Khan’s vision, Mr Chaudhry said it was inevitable to treat corruption and ensure rule of law to put the country on the path of progress. Despite being a nuclear power, he claimed, the country had lost its respect among the comity of nations because its incumbent leaders were carrying begging bowls. “Only PTI, led by Imran Khan, can bring a positive change in the country,” he said.

Mr Chaudhry said the minorities in Pakistan had also rendered unforgettable sacrifices in the establishment of Pakistan as well as its progress. Muslims and Christians should respect each other and work for the betterment of Pakistan.

PTI’s minority MPA Shunila Ruth said she had organised the membership camp to register new party members as well as renew membership of old workers. She said there was a large number of Christians in NA-127.

PTI MPA Shoaib Siddiqui also organised a party membership camp in Cantt and claimed this activity would invigorate the party across the country.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2017