Ministers come down hard on opposition after NA walkout
- By Web Desk -
- May 16, 2016
Talking to media after opposition’s walkout from NA, Information Minister Pervez Rasheed said, “PM’s truth knocked the falsehood out, leading to a walkout of the opposition from the House”. He said a few members of the opposition failed to explain their offshore assets, which they had earlier been hiding, yet admitted to it lately.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif slammed Imran Khan saying that the PTI chairman is the most experienced person in holding offshore firms within the political fraternity of Pakistan.
“Imran formed an offshore company in 1983, followed by his investment of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital (SKMH) funds in another two firms abroad through one, Imtiaz Haidery, one of the board members of the SKMH,” said the minister.
He flayed the PTI chief for advising people to bring their money to Pakistan, while himself investing donations given to SKMH abroad. “If this is an offence, then Imran is an offender of the highest order,” he argued.
If the PM can present details of his 70-80 years old assets before the Parliament, then Imran Khan should also have followed the suit and answered before the House, said Asif, questioning Imran that why did he maintain silence for a month or so on his offshore holdings.
Meanwhile, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Minister for Railways, regretted irresponsible behavior of opposition parties in the Parliament today. He recounted how the opposition demanded for a commission under chief justice to probe Panama Papers leaks, followed by drafting of terms of reference (TORs) and then the demand for the PM to come to the NA.
He noted that Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had assured equal time for Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah and Imran Khan, hence giving the opposition double space to present its stance.
The prime minister responded to their (opposition) queries and went even beyond to satisfy them in his personal capacity, the minister said. He (PM) offered to provide more details if desired on whichever forum is made.
Rafique said the ‘opposition has been held hostage by Imran Khan, Aitzaz Ahsan, Sheikh Rasheed and Pervez Ilahi, and they all have their own distinct aches’. He suggested the opposition not to be influenced by them.
“We still want to resolve the issue through mutual understanding,” he said lamenting the way Imran Khan has opted for in this regard, which, according to him, the PPP is also following unfortunately.