RAWALPINDI: Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that the current elections in Pakistan have lost their meaning, which will offer the country nothing but chaos.
Speaking to the media after appearing before the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Rawalpindi on charges of corruption in the Ghora Gali and Murree Road projects, Abbasi said that NAB and anti-corruption agencies are being used exclusively for electoral and political manipulation.
“I am accused of giving contracts for the construction of two roads to favored persons. The answer to the union’s question was that both roads have not been built. NAB and anti-corruption agencies have become the most corrupt institutions in the country. Who will hold them accountable?” he said.
The estranged PML-N leader said, “This is what happens to those who do not contest elections. What happens to those who run for office? Elections are a sacred process and their controversy will damage the country. It’s just a way to be harassed in the election process.”
He continued, “Nawaz Sharif was my leader. I have differences with party politics which led to my separation. This system didn’t work in 2018 and it won’t work now. After the election, we will decide to form a new party. Every election since 1947 has been stolen.”
Responding to a question, Abbasi clarified: “I am not participating in the elections. It is the responsibility of the Chief Election Commissioner, the Prime Minister and the government and authorities to ensure that the election is uncontroversial. There is still time to ensure a non-controversial election as people are disappointed with the current state of affairs. There will be an impact of pressure in the electoral environment. If they send dummies, make fake ballots, it will harm the country and the people.”
The former prime minister said: “I retired from elections, not politics. Elections are a constitutional requirement and it is the job of the political leadership to make them expedient and a means of solving problems. Unfortunately, the country’s three main parties failed. The country’s political leadership, military leadership and judicial leadership should sit around the table and chart a way forward. Sitting at the same table and deciding on the next course of action is essential; otherwise it is difficult for the country to function.”
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Regarding the return of Pakistan Muslim League-N supremo Nawaz Sharif as part of the deal, Abbasi said, “Everyone is asking this question, but I don’t know about the deal. In Pakistan, everyone thinks that matters will be resolved by agreement.
He emphasized, “The ‘respect the vote’ ‘Vote Ko Izzat Do’ story was a constitutional story. The constitution says that the vote must be respected, and if you refuse it, you will suffer. I have already said that I will not contest the elections for or against the PML-N.”
Regarding the events of May 9, the former prime minister said: “I consider the incident of May 9 a tragedy. When military installations are attacked, there are consequences inside and outside the country. Today is February 9; no action was taken against those responsible. The police did not take any action against those responsible for 9 May.
