ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister Javed Latif has issued a warning that former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s absence from the upcoming elections could have serious repercussions, possibly sparking a bloody and violent confrontation in the country.
Javed Latif raised a point of order in the National Assembly, arguing that Nawaz Sharif’s sizeable support and influence in the nation could lead to unrest and division if he is denied the right to vote. He bemoaned the fact that Nawaz Sharif was expelled from the political scene in the years 2002, 2008, and 2018, but that no one bothered to prosecute those responsible for the rigging. Additionally, no one will acknowledge the election results if the exercise is repeated in 2023.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan had committed contempt of courts several times but he left scot-free.
Meanwhile, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday urged that all political parties need to sit together to resolve issues and introduce electoral reforms for making the election results acceptable across the political divide.
Talking to media, Kundi said that ‘same date polls'[referring to holding elections simultaneously across the country] had now become a major bone of contention which needed to be addressed with the consultation of all parties.
“The political parties should set aside their differences to uphold democracy and protect its integrity through free, fair, and transparent elections,” he added.
When asked about his proposal for the talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he said the election should be held on the same day, adding, political parties including the PTI should develop a consensus on having elections across Pakistan on the same date.
Replying to a question, he said the PPP would fully participate in elections, saying the party was not shying away to contest the polls but the elections of provincial and national assemblies should be held simultaneously.
