LAHORE: Various opposition parties have termed arrest of PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) political victimisation.

The Awami National Party (ANP) has termed it an act of fascism bound to convert a suspect into a victim. Senior leader Ehsan Wayne alleges the step has been taken to help the PTI government win the by-polls.

He says by ignoring the laid-down procedures and laws in investigating and prosecuting politicians accused of financial and other wrongdoings they’re made ‘political martyrs’ and the action becomes political victimisation.

Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan (JUP) chief and MMA vice president, Pir Ijaz Hashmi, says Imran Khan should avert political victimisation and people like Fawad Chaudhry, who were instigating him to persecute the opposition, would turn approver against him [during hard times].

He says the country can’t achieve political stability because governments are being changed artificially and new pawns have been introduced to work for the powers that be.

He asks as to why only politicians are being subjected to accountability and people from other walks of life spared.

Tehrik-i-Istiqlal president Rehmat Khan Wardag says the PTI government is indulging in “non-issues” instead of focusing on its agenda of change.

He asserts that Shahbaz’ arrest is aimed at manipulating the by-polls due in Punjab and other provinces on Oct 14 by damaging arch rival PML-N’s repute.

He thinks the outcome of the NAB cases against Shahbaz Sharif will be no different than the ones against Nawaz Sharif, verdicts of which being overturned by the higher courts.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2018