Sheikh Rasheed calls for NA session to elect new leader of house

RAWALPINDI: Calling upon President Mamnoon Hussain to summon National Assembly (NA) session to elect a new leader of the house, Awami Muslim League (AML) Sheikh Rasheed on Friday said that Pakistan can develop in a far better way without Nawaz Sharif holding Prime Minister Office, ARY News reported on Friday.

Addressing a public gathering after Supreme Court’s verdict announcement in Panamagate case, Rasheed alleged Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) made several attempts to bribe the apex court’s judges and other officials.

He lashed out at political leaders for being in opposition but supporting Nawaz Sharif without quoting anyone’s name.

“I told Nawaz Sharif to step down immediately in wake of Panamagate probe if respect is dear to him but he preferred to have power than respect,” said Sheikh Rasheed.

Taking a jibe at Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, he said the federal cabinet has already been dissolved, hence his resignation becomes inconsequential.

Coming down hard on Sharif family, he said that they presented forged documents and lied to assembly. “Nawaz Sharif did not disclose his employment with UAE-based firm in the nomination papers for 2013 general elections,” he added.

Soon after the SC judgement, the PM House issued a terse statement saying that Nawaz Sharif, despite having reservations on the SC’s verdict, has stepped down from his post as the premier.