Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The PML-N’s nominee for interim prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, on Sunday challenged his critics to prove irregularities in his finances, saying “whoever wants to file a reference against me should feel free to do so”.

Abbasi was speaking to media following his meeting with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in the capital.

Speaking on Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification by the Supreme Court, the former petroleum minister said, “To my understanding of legal matters, there is no harm in possessing an iqama – it’s just a visa – but nowadays, laws are being interpreted in ways that are stranger than ever.”

“I have disclosed all my assets and their details are published in the Pakistan Gazette. Those levelling baseless allegations [against me] should check their own acts first,” he maintained.

When asked about the speculations regarding involvement of army in the PM’s ouster, Abbasi said, “There are no two sides in this country; we all are one and work for the betterment of this country in a united way.”

To a question regarding whether Chaudhry Nisar would be included in his cabinet, hesaid that the decision had not been taken as yet. “Chaudhry Nisar has always been a part of the PML-N and it will always be that way for us.”

PML-N leaders on Saturday, had decided that Shahbaz Sharif should take over as leader of the house. Abbasi, would take over as interim prime minister till the time Shahbaz is elected to the parliament and then to the prime minister’s office.

Published in Daily Times, July 31^st , 2017.