‘Plan B in place if president vetoes Shehbaz Sharif’s oath’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that the coalition government has a backup plan if President Arif Alvi refuses to administer the oath of office to Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister.

Talking to the media in Islamabad, Aurangzeb stated that Shehbaz Sharif has served Pakistan in the past and will continue to do so. She credited Shehbaz Sharif with preventing Pakistan from defaulting.

The PML-N leader hailed Sharif’s selection as a significant development for the nation, attributing Punjab’s progress during the tenure of the previous PML-N government to his leadership.

Aurangzeb noted that all coalition parties in Parliament had voted for Shehbaz Sharif, underscoring that the majority’s choice was crucial for a prime minister’s mandate. However, she warned of past instances where political upheaval has hampered the country’s progress.

Recalling the tumultuous events of 2013, she highlighted the economic stability Pakistan was experiencing before descending into chaos, with some individuals resorting to violence. In 2018, she pointed out, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) assumed power and mismanaged all development projects during its tenure.

Regarding the recent turmoil in Parliament, Aurangzeb expressed disappointment, likening the atmosphere to that of 2013. She criticized the former PTI government for incarcerating opposition leaders upon assuming power and now attempting to suppress dissenting voices.

Aurangzeb questioned whether there was no electoral malpractice during the 2018 elections, urging any complaints to be directed to the Election Commission of Pakistan. She emphasized that Shehbaz Sharif would fulfill his obligations like he completed his speech in Parliament regardless of interruptions.

Furthermore, she lambasted the PTI, accusing it of incessant protests and tears, claiming their mindset is detrimental to the country’s progress. Aurangzeb praised Maryam Nawaz for challenging their authority in Punjab.

She reaffirmed the unity of the coalition government, citing their previous success in steering the country away from default.

Aurangzeb urged all coalition parties to stand together with Shehbaz Sharif, asserting that the country needs to overcome economic challenges and unemployment.

She concluded by questioning the authority of Omer Ayub to seek resignation from the chief election commissioner.