LAHORE, Jan 2: Coming hard on the PML-N, the PPP alleges that the former is adding to the crises, instead of becoming part of the solution.

“Nawaz Sharif (PML-N chief) is ‘playing politics’ on sensitive issues like energy crisis and Ajmal Kasab’s nationality. Why not Sharif sits together with the PPP leadership to find ways and means to deal with the crises the country is facing at present,” PPP Punjab president Rana Aftab Ahmed Khan told Dawn on Friday.

Khan said that he failed to understand as to why Nawaz Sharif was “inciting” the business community in Faisalabad to go on strike. “His actions appear to be catalyst to crises which are not worthy of him.”

This is the second time when PPP’s provincial chapter president sees former prime minister’s move adding to the problems of the government. The first was in the case of Ajmal Kasab, who, according to Indian claims, was involved in Mumbai carnage in the last week of Nov 2008.

Though the PPP welcomes Sharif’s demand of convening a National Assembly session over the crises, it also questions as to why a Punjab Assembly session is not being requisitioned in this respect. “President Asif Ali Zardari has been working 18 hours a day to sail the country out of the crises. The PML-N leadership too should extend cooperation to the PPP government in this regard,” he maintained.

Khan has also asked the provincial government to unearth the elements involved in damaging the residences of PPP leaders and their harassment during violence in Faisalabad.

Reacting to Rana Aftab’s statement, PML-N Punjab President Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa said that Sharif had not incited anyone to go on strike. “Sharif will be the last person to break the law,” he said, adding that Khan should not criticise the PML-N leader to vent his anger of losing the last general elections. “Sharif has strictly been following on the Charter of Democracy while others have backed out despite entering into written agreements.” — Zulqernain Tahir