ISLAMABAD: In a vehement response to the election of Maryam Nawaz as the chief minister of Punjab, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) issued a scathing statement on Monday, denouncing the move as the result of rigged results in the ‘unconstitutional’ Punjab Assembly. The PTI accused those currently holding seats in the assembly of facilitating the selection of a “fake” Chief Minister.
The PTI spokesperson, in a strongly-worded statement, asserted that the family, alluding to the Sharif family, notorious for alleged corruption and wealth accumulation abroad, is once again attempting to influence Punjab’s political landscape for their own gain.
“It is unconstitutional and shameful for the police to prevent the nominated candidates and elected members of PTI from attending the meeting by imposing curfew outside the Punjab Assembly,” stated the PTI spokesperson, highlighting what they perceive as undue interference in the political process.
The statement further criticised the alleged theft of the people’s mandate, accusing Maryam of being brought to power through manipulated election results. The PTI asserted that the sanctity of the House is now being violated, suggesting that the move to elect Maryam goes against the democratic principles that underpin the political process.
The PTI spokesperson castigated Maryam for seeking the chief minister’s position, emphasising her failure to secure even a single seat despite her opponents facing what they termed as “state oppression and rigging.” The spokesperson asserted that Maryam’s priority is not the welfare of the people but the enrichment of the Sharif family at the expense of the national treasury.
“The people of Punjab will not tolerate the desecration of their mandate in the case of an unconstitutionally elected fake chief minister,” warned the PTI statement. It predicted the eventual collapse of what it deems an unconstitutional government established through a rigged election, stating that such a government would crumble under its own weight. –Agencies
