F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications and Postal Services Murad Saeed on Saturday said opposition parties were not supporting the legislation for Senate elections through open ballot as they wanted to continue the corrupt practices like the past.
Addressing a press conference here, he said the PTI government introduced the bill to stop corrupt practices during Senate elections as were being observed in past.
“The opposition parties are opposing the bill as they want to continue corruption and use of money during elections,” he said.
Murad Saeed said the opposition was creating hurdles to ensure transparency in the elections process but at the same time speaking about rigging in elections.
He said the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan was committed to end horse-trading and use of money in the Senate elections. He said former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto desired to bring transparency in elections process but unfortunately, her political party has overlooked the matter. He said PTI had expelled 20 of its Member of Provincial Assemblies after they were found guilty of taking money in the 2018 senate polls.
The minister said opposition also took a U-turn on the matter of rendering resignations from the assemblies, adding that they have no connection with the masses as their only agenda was to get National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). He said people have rejected the narrative of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), adding that they should return the looted money first after that people might forgive them.
He said that the true face of opposition parties was exposed as their interest was to protect corruption. He said the government would never give National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) to the corrupt elements. While criticizing the statement of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, the minister said Bilawal, who became a leader but he never worked for the party as worker or took part in any struggle.
Murad also criticized the performance of PPP’s government in Sindh province.
He said Mian Nawaz Sharif used to play cricket at Gymkhana (Lahore) with his own umpire, adding that Nawaz Sharif went abroad for the purpose of medical treatment but did not return yet. He said masses have rejected the irresponsible politics of the opposition as it was just focused on safeguarding corruption of its leadership. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan has been working hard for the national interest while the opposition leaders were busy in protecting their corruption only.
