Shehbaz says timely elections requirement of democracy. President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Shehbaz Sharif, has underscored the critical need for the upcoming general elections, scheduled for February 8 next year, to be conducted punctually.
Addressing journalists after appearing in an accountability court in Lahore for the Ramzan Sugar Mills reference, Sharif, a former prime minister, emphasized that holding elections on schedule is not just a democratic imperative but a legal requirement.
The accountability court had summoned Shehbaz Sharif in response to a reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), alleging misuse of authority during his tenure as the chief minister of Punjab.
The allegations revolve around the purported use of public funds for the construction of a bridge facilitating mills owned by his sons.
During his media interaction, Shehbaz Sharif revealed that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif would unveil the party’s manifesto during the upcoming election campaign, signaling the initiation of the campaign with thorough preparation.
Responding to concerns raised by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) regarding equal opportunities in the upcoming polls, Shehbaz Sharif cited his own court appearance as an example of a level playing field.
He mentioned that Nawaz Sharif would also present himself in an Islamabad court, emphasizing his commitment to fairness in the electoral process.
Shehbaz Sharif, speaking about the May 9 incidents, expressed concern over any facilitation of those involved, deeming it as anti-national.
He highlighted the severity of the alleged conspiracy to overthrow the army on that date, stating that no democratic government could tolerate treason.
During the court hearing, Shehbaz Sharif discussed the legal cases against him, noting that he was initially summoned in the clean water case but was arrested in the Ashiana reference.
While refraining from discussing the merits of the case, he asserted that his lawyer would address the legal aspects, emphasizing that justice was served in the Ashiana case.
Shehbaz Sharif also provided insights into his tenure, mentioning the installation of thousands of clean water projects.
He clarified that the government did not provide subsidies to sugar mills during his leadership, and he highlighted the transfer of the family’s inherited sugar mill to his son.
As Shehbaz says timely elections requirement of democracy, the comprehensive statement from Shehbaz Sharif encompasses political, legal, and governance aspects, offering his perspective on these crucial matters as the country gears up for the upcoming elections.
