Daily Times

Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, on Saturday, claimed that he had advised Prime Minister Imran Khan to let corrupt politicians leave Pakistan, but he had not agreed.

Addressing a news conference, Rasheed added, “The opposition can end in one hour if Imran Khan lets them leave the country. I have told Imran Khan to let them go but he said no.”

He asserted, “He [Imran Khan] is trying his best to ensure that there is no NRO.”

The minister noted that former president, Asif Zardari, was also in line to get an NRO. “Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif have worked hard at stealing the money and they will not return it. Asif Zardari might give it,” he maintained.

According to the minister, all corrupt politicians were getting together to protest against the government.

Rashid held the previous governments responsible for inflation in the country.

His comments came as PPP leader met Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman, on Friday, to discuss a joint strategy against the government.

The two leaders were said to have a consensus on uniting opposition parties; reaching out to other political parties. Another effort to bring the opposition together saw PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announce plans to host an Iftar on Sunday.

PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed to media sources that a PML-N delegation led by Maryam Nawaz would attend Iftar dinner hosted by the PPP chairman.

According to Aurangzeb, the PML-N delegation would include Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly, Hamza Shehbaz, and other senior party leaders. Bilawal also telephoned JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman and Awami National Party (ANP) head Asfand Yar Wali Khan to extend an invitation to them, sources added.

Other leaders invited to the Iftar dinner included Sirajul Haq, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Akhtar Mengal, Aftab Sherpao and Shah Awais Noorani.