LAHORE: Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmad sees the PTI-led government’s response to Kashmir issue, especially in the changed scenario, as weak. He claims that Nawaz Sharif chapter has closed, as he will never come back to Pakistan.

“We have so far shown weakness over Kashmir issue,” he said while addressing a news conference here at the Pakistan Railways’ headquarters on Saturday. However, he stopped talking about the Kashmir policy.

“I am very thankful to Prime Minister Imran Khan who responds me well. Recently in a cabinet meeting, he (PM Khan) asked Chief Minister Usman Buzdar to resolve Sheikh Rashid’s issue of Nala Lai project,” the minister said.

Mr Rashid said till Feb 5 (Kashmir Day), a number of events highlighting the role of the Modi would be held forcefully.

Hinting at [fresh] corruption references against Shahbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz, he dispelled the [prevailing] impression of change in government in the next couple of months.

“February and March are ‘tough’ months. There will be ups and downs in these months. There will be issues of price hike, gas, electricity rates,” he said and, while responding to various questions, added: “There are rumours. But there would be nothing. Shahbaz Sharif may return. But Nawaz Sharif won’t.”

To another question, he confirmed no chance for Maryam Nawaz to go abroad and meet his ailing father.

Appreciating the role of PML-N and PPP in voting for amendment in Army Act, Rashid was hopeful that the issue related to appointment of ECP chairman and members would also be resolved amicably. “Regarding NAB ordinance, cooperation is under way behind the scene.”

He said he had asked PM Imran Khan to have good relations with the media irrespective of the criticism. “I am optimistic that we under the leadership of Imran Khan will take Pakistan out of crisis in the next one-and-a-half years,” he maintained.

Talking about his department, the minister said a large number of PR employees would retire soon, creating as many as 25,000 new jobs.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2020