ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday criticised leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Peoples Party for committing corruption as exposed in two reports of joint investigation teams (JITs).

In his tweets, he said the modus operandi of the former rulers for committing corruption was mind-boggling.

The prime minister said: “The Panama JIT report and the fake accounts JIT report are case studies that how states fail — getting impoverished and drowning into debt. These scales and methods used for siphoning off public money are incredulous and mind-boggling.”

Pays tribute to Quaid-i-Azam, greets Christians

He expressed surprise that despite revelations of JITs regarding documentary evidences of corruption of PML-N and PPP leaders, their cronies were defending them. “I am puzzled and perplexed by those who despite having read the two reports are still defending the plunderers,” Mr Khan said.

QUAID’S BIRTHDAY: Paying tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah on his 142nd birthday, the prime minister said in a message: “Quaid had envisioned a state where we could live and breathe as free men, where we could enjoy freedom from fear and want; where we could fashion our lives according to our religious and cultural values, and where the principles of State of Madina could be followed to create a just and prosperous society.”

He said the Quaid had wanted a society where every citizen enjoyed the privileges of equal rights; where rule of law reigned supreme and establishment of a state which provided its umbrella to the marginalised and vulnerable and also facilitated growth of every individual to his/her full capabilities.

“Our Quaid rekindled a hope amongst the oppressed Muslims of the sub-continent, led constitutional struggle and brought into fruition the idea of carving out an independent Muslim state on the map of the world. Let us reiterate today that the mistakes of past shall never be repeated and we all will work, as one nation, to transform vision of the Quaid into reality and to take the country to its rightful place among the comity of nations,” he added.

CHRISTMAS: The prime minister extended heartiest greetings to Christians in Pakistan and the world over on the occasion of Christmas and said Jesus Christ was sent to this world as a symbol of peace, love and compassion for the humanity. “His message of hope and redemption illuminated the path to eternal salvation and his teachings continue to bring peace and happiness to the millions of people across the world.”

Mr Khan said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government was a strong proponent of inter-faith harmony and believed that the Christian community was an integral part of society. He said the government was firmly committed to protecting and safeguarding the rights and privileges of all the minorities living in the country. “Our constitution enshrines the vision of our Quaid who unequivocally declared a policy of equality, freedom and security for all communities living in Pakistan.”

The prime minister said Christmas was an occasion to rejoice and enjoy the blessings of Almighty and a moment to reflect and to reach out to those who were in distress and undergoing hardships. “Indeed, this day reminds us of our responsibility, as a human being, to extend our helping hand to our fellow human beings and do our best to alleviate their sufferings,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2018