—– PPP leader accuses deposed Prime Minister of marginalising all others in pursuit of power
From Abid Usman
LAHORE: PPP leader Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan has alleged that the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s “deal with the establishment” has been finally exposed, leaving no room for doubt that the sole intention behind the deposed premier’s political manoeuvres was to regain the office.
He further accused the former prime minister of conveniently overpowering other political players in his pursuit of power and to strike a deal with the establishment.
Ahsan, speaking to the media, stated, “I used to say that Nawaz Sharif would ‘zero’ everyone once given the chance. My warnings were ignored then, but now the same has happened.
“He lamented that there was no proper system in the country, pointing out that authority, as enshrined in the constitution, belonged to Allah and was upheld by the elected individuals. “How can there be a system when there are no elected people?”
The PPP leader also touched upon his disagreements with his own party, acknowledging, “Many times, I have had disagreements with the PPP. Sometimes they agree with me, sometimes they don’t.
“However, he admitted that sometimes his words are correct, and sometimes the party’s views prevail.
Expressing doubts about the upcoming elections, Ahsan questioned whether they would be held on time.
He stated, “I cannot say whether the elections will be held on January 28 or not. Apart from the politics of the past, no prediction can be made regarding the upcoming election.
“The PPP leader’s statement comes only a few days after Nawaz Sharif’s return from four years of self-imposed exile in London on October 21.
Prior to his arrival, the PML-N leader was granted protective bail in two graft cases, while arrest warrants in another case were suspended to ensure a smooth return.
On Thursday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) restored his appeals against the accountability courts’ conviction verdicts in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases, marking the revival of his pursuit to nullify the sentences he has been awarded in the graft cases.
On October 24, the former premier’s bail in the cases was extended until October 26 after the anti-graft watchdog informed the court that it had no objections to the pleas filed by Nawaz. In addition, the Punjab government also approved the suspension of his sentence in the Al-Azizia reference on the same day.
