LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jamshed Iqbal Cheema on Thursday demanded Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign from the office on moral grounds, saying that Panamagate scam only revealed one act of corruption of the Sharif family.
“The mega corruption scam only got highlighted because it was unearthed internationally. There have been many instances where the rulers have gotten away after plundering the national wealth,” he said during an exclusive interview with Daily Times. “Had it (Panamagate) been revealed in Pakistan, this too, like many other cases, would have been brushed aside by the government.”
Taking a jibe at Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA and his rival from NA 124 Sheikh Rohail Asgher, Cheema said the MNA has been misusing his power to promote his own business endeavours. “His name is often associated with gas theft in the area as well as oppressing the poor. The development in the area during his almost 10-year tenure has been deplorable and even his staunch supporters are now having serious reservations on his performance.”
Cheema expressed confidence ahead of the next general elections, saying that Panama verdict has tarnished the image of the ruling party and people have realized PML-N has nothing to offer other than corruption. “The nefarious designs of the Sharif family are there for everyone to see. People have acknowledged the courage and resilience of Imran Khan and would come out to support the former captain in his drive against corruption.”
On a query, he said nobody should be above the law and anyone guilty of playing with national wealth should not only be dismissed from the office, but also be sent behind bars. He recalled how Nawaz Sharif used to say he would leave office if found guilty.
“Nawaz even took out rally against former PM Yousaf Raza Gilani demanding resignation from him on court orders. It’s ironic how shamefully the PML-N workers are defending their corrupt boss now,” the PTI leader concluded.
