NAP has been converted into political victimisation plan: PML-N leader

Published October 21, 2020
In this file photo, PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal speaks to reporters in Lahore. ─DawnNewsTV/File
In this file photo, PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal speaks to reporters in Lahore. ─DawnNewsTV/File

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secretary general Ahsan Iqbal has said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has dragged the institution responsible for countering terrorism into politics.

Talking to the media while ap­­pearing before an accountability court here on Tuesday in Narowal Sports City Complex case, Mr Iqbal expr­essed concern over the martyrdom of 20 security personnel in a single day recently.

“I salute the martyrs but I also ask why terrorists are getting strong again,” he said, adding that the National Action Plan (NAP) has been converted into a political victimisation plan and the institutions responsible for executing the action plan have been tasked to fight the PML-N.

The PML-N leader said the government’s failure to address the problems of the common man was affecting the reputation of state institutions. The ministers were also trying to take refuge behind the state institutions over their negligence, he added.

“Sometimes they use the judiciary and sometimes the armed forces to hide their failures,” he said.

Mr Iqbal praised the sacrifices rendered by the armed forces to protect the motherland, but said the valour of security forces might not be enough to defend the country without national solidarity and a vibrant economy.

He criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan for “compromising on the Kashmir issue”.

During the accountability court’s proceedings, the National Accountability Bureau sought time to file a reference against Mr Iqbal. The court directed NAB to file the reference by Oct 19.

The prosecutor told the court that the reference had been submitted to the NAB’s executive board and it would be approved in due course of time. The court adjourned the hearing till Nov 19.

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the government should concentrate on controlling the prices of essential commodities.

Talking to reporters after appearing be­­fore the accountability court in connection with the LNG terminal reference, he talked about the arrest of retired Captain Moha­mmad Safdar and ‘kidnapping’ of the inspector general of Sindh police and said this was not the way to run the government.

During the course of the hearing, the prosecution requested the court to indict the accused persons on the next date.

However, Barrister Zafarullah Khan, the counsel for Mr Abbasi, pointed out that the two foreign accused have not yet joined the proceedings and they are still absconders.

He argued that the court should complete the process for proclamation of these two accused and then separate their case with the other accused who have joined the proceedings before their indictment.

The court directed the prosecution to complete that process and adjourned the hearing till Nov 11.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2020

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...