US Congressman says Imran Khan difficult to deal with than Shehbaz Sharif

WASHINGTON: United States (US) Congressman Brad Sherman has asserted that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan was more difficult to deal with than incumbent Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, ARY News reported on Saturday.

Addressing the House of Representatives, the US congressman expressed concern over the ‘terrible disappearances, human rights abuses and substantial evidence of torture’ in Pakistan and said the United States stands with human rights and the right of free speech.

Brad Sherman called for human rights and democracy and the rule of law in Pakistan, saying that the US is dedicated to democracy and human rights.

Referring to upcoming elections in Punjab, he noted that the Supreme Court has ordered to hold polls and later on in other provinces as well and “that is the rule of law”.

Sherman said he believes that the Supreme Court’s ruling is final and non-appealable, adding that the top court has also ordered to release funds for the election as it is necessary.

The US congressman further said that nothing was more important than timely, constitutional, transparent elections. “Nothing is more important in Pakistan than letting whoever wins the elections govern the country,” he added.

Earlier, US congressman Brad Sherman said that Imran Khan assured him that he was not an anti-American and believes in supremacy of rule of law.

Speaking to international media, US Congressman said that he held a telephonic conversation with former prime minister of Pakistan – Imran Khan, wherein the latter assured that he was not an anti-American and believes in supremacy of rule of law.

Punjab elections

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had announced the schedule for elections in Punjab — which are to be held on May 14 as directed by the Supreme Court.

According to the electoral watchdog notification, the polling for the Punjab Assembly elections will be held on May 14, 2023. The ECP also withdrew its earlier schedule regarding holding general elections in Punjab in October.

The Supreme Court declared the ECP’s order postponing the provincial assembly elections until October 8 as “unconstitutional” and ordered the government to release Rs21 billion funds for elections in Punjab.

The top court also directed to conduct Punjab polls on May 14. The SC further directed the caretaker government in Punjab to assist the commission.