LAHORE: Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid says the politics of Nawaz Sharif, just as MQM founder’s, ceases to exist for speaking against the chief of the army staff.

“Nawaz Sharif understands that his politics is over... On the other hand, Shahbaz Sharif is playing better,” he told the media at his weekly press conference at the Pakistan Railways headquarters here on Saturday.

“But Nawaz Sharif has declared war (by speaking like this). And Nawaz will now be treated in the same way as MQM founder,” he said. He berated Nawaz for naming the army chief in his speech.

“Nawaz Sharif Sahib, you, while addressing a rally in Gujranwala, mentioned the name of Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa 11 times. You must remember your party voted in parliament for Mr Bajwa’s extension,” he said.

He will now be treated in same way as MQM founder

“I clearly say that democracy in Pakistan is just because of army. I also say that country’s existence is because of Pakistan army,” he said. He said the PDM’s rally was a failed show in comparison with the rallies by the late Benazir Bhutto in 1986 and Imran Khan in the past.

“If a notification is issued tomorrow that Nawaz Sharif’s party is an anti-country party, it will be banned. And if an emergent notification is issued that this party is playing in the hands of country’s enemies... you must think,” he warned.

He declared Nawaz Sharif “No 2 MQM founder”, cautioning that he is well aware of a secret 20-minute meeting held in a hotel in Istanbul. “I don’t have permission to disclose about this. And I have restricted myself too from revealing it,” he added.

Answering a question, he said when he revealed about two recent confidential meetings of Shahbaz Sharif, the institutions complained about this.

“They (the institutions) complained to me for revealing this,” he said. He reiterated that there would be division in the PML-N before February as six to 16 people would part with the PML-N.

“I am announcing this that there would be PML-S before February,” he said.

Speaking about his department, Rashid said the PR had increased technical allowance for 31,000 workers.

“We, moreover, have also increased mileage allowance of the drivers,” he said. He said he had spoken to PM Imran Khan for paying over Rs6.3 billion for clearing pensioners’ dues.

On the other hand, a senior PML-N leader criticised Sheikh Rashid for speaking against Nawaz Sharif.

“Theft of votes is treason with the Constitution, country and the people. Imran Niazi and the selected Tola (group) listened to Nawaz’s speech in hiding,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2020