'CJP has no authority to chide us': minister decries 'abusive' remarks

ISLAMABAD: After former premier and PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif’s bitter diatribe against Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar for allegedly exceeding his brief, Minister for Interior and Planning, Development & Reforms Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday took an aim at him.

Speaking at a seminar titled CPEC Five Years: A Story of Success and Opportunity, the minister said: “If a judge is patriot, so is a politician.”

In reference to the chief justice’s remarks during hearing of a case, he said: “The chief justice has no authority to chide us. The chief justice levelled allegations that I had a hand in the appointment of [the vice chancellor of the Lahore College for Women University]. If he has any evidence, he should present a charge-sheet against me.”

“Enough is enough. CJP has no right to insult us.”

The PML-N leader further said if he had levelled baseless allegations against anyone, evidence should be given to substantiate them instead of insulting him.

He expressed displeasure at the top judge’s remarks, saying he has no authority to use abusive language.

Speaking about China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the minister said it has become a symbol of global identity of Pakistan, portraying the country’s positive image the world over.

He said a number of world countries are interested to be part of the project, adding that peace and stability are vital to reap benefits of this initiative.

The PML-N leader said the government has launched the Productivity, Quality and Innovation (PQI) initiative to make Pakistan globally competitive.