KARACHI: Terming the apex court verdicts in cases involving the leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf “relatively positive”, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday lamented that there was a different yardstick for the Pakistan Peoples Party.

“I could not comment on these verdicts but I would like to say the decisions of the court are comparatively better for both, the PTI and PML-N, while there is a different yardstick for the PPP,” he told reporters after attending the ‘Kiran Sitara programme’ designed to fight tuberculosis. “We always respect court decisions.”

The event was organised under the banner of ‘She Leads’ conference by the Indus Health Network at the PAF Museum.

CM Shah claimed that the forthcoming general election would be the last election for PTI chief Imran Khan because “he is no longer a leader of the youth”.

“Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is a genuine leader of the youth of the country,” he said, adding that his party chief had the capability to steer the country out of every crisis.

Regarding the Peshawar Army Public School tragedy, Mr Shah said smiles and fragrances of the martyred children were still alive in his memories. “We cannot forget them, they were our future and their sacrifice has united the nation against terrorists.”

Earlier, addressing the moot, the chief minister said it was a proud moment for him to be in the midst of 10,000 girl students.

He said collaborative effort between the Indus Health Network, Interactive Research and Development, education department and Kiran Sitara programme reflected the government’s intentions to steer Sindh towards the path of progress, particularly during the times of change.

CM Shah said Kiran Sitara adolescent health and leadership programme achieved remarkable goals by mobilising young girls at secondary schools.

Mr Shah said he was convinced that investing in education for girls and women was the key to unlock advances across the society.

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2017