Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Sunday strongly rejected all speculations about formation of groups within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), maintaining that the party would contest the upcoming general elections on the basis of its performance.

Speaking in the programme of a private TV channel, the prime minister said he had long association with the PML-N which remained steadfast through thick and thin. He dispelled the impression that he was an aspirant for the office of the prime minister after the upcoming general election and that the party leadership would decide on the matter.

To a question, the prime minister maintained that there were no red lines for his government. Only constitution contained the red lines. He said all the amendments in the constitution were done with consensus.

Nawaz Sharif had never phoned him during the last seven months, he said, in reply to a question. To another question, the prime minister said the government has to take all types of decisions which definitely had their impacts. The government has to tackle varying issues with consensus and under a mechanism set by the working of cabinet and parliament.

The prime minister, responding to another question, said that he did not see any efforts by anyone to throw spanner into the upcoming Senate elections which would be held on time. However, he questioned how a party which did not have enough members in the assemblies could elect its members in the Senate. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should take notice of such practices, he said, adding, “We will name and shame those elements who would employ such antics. Our party will exert all possible moral pressure on them.”

The prime minister vehemently opposed the suggestion about introducing the presidential form of government. “That system is not capable of steering the country of the emerging issues and is instead dangerous for its stability.”

To a question, he said the people had not accepted the July 28 decision of disqualifying Nawaz Sharif. He said the country had witnessed massive growth during the last four and a half years. But instability in the form of dharnas and subsequently with the Panama case and its decision had created uncertainty in the country.

The prime minister also justified restructuring of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as it had whopping liabilities of around Rs 450 billion whereas its losses in the last year stood at Rs 40-42 billion. To a question, the prime minister said he was ready to face any allegations over the import of LNG contract. He said that he had been paying taxes for the last 35 years.

About the load-shedding issue in the upcoming summer season, he maintained that the government had added about 10,400 MW power in the national grid by enhancing the generation capacity. However, at certain times, there could be surge in demand or other technical issues but there would be no cut in supply of power to consumers, he added.

About appearance of Maryam Nawaz in the public gatherings, the prime minister said although she was not a member of the parliament but she was making her public contribution. To another question, the prime minister said the PML-N was only led by its leader Nawaz Sharif.

Published in Daily Times, February 19^th 2018.