Prime Minister Imran Khan has ruled out naming of Shehbaz Sharif, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, as chairman of the powerful Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
“Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif will not be appointed chairman of the Public Accounts Committee as naming a person accused of corruption for this position will make mockery of the country in the world,” he said in a meeting with the media yesterday.
Khan also questioned the performance of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
“The performance of the NAB is being affected because of the accountability watchdog’s involvement in petty cases. The NAB should lay hand on big fish,” he said. “Accountability laws also need amendments.”
The prime minister opined that whosoever does not take a U-turn is not a leader.
He said that 19th century French military leader Napoleon Bonaparte and German fuhrer Adolf Hitler suffered colossal losses because they did not take a U-turn.
He said that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif did not take a U-turn in the accountability court’s corruption case against him, instead choosing to lie.
Referring to his recent visit to China, Khan said that China has given an unprecedented economic package to Pakistan and it might be bigger than that offered by Saudi Arabia.
He said he could not reveal details of the Chinese package.
“If our package is made public, other countries too will seek a similar package from China,” the prime minister explained.
Prime Minister Khan described his China visit as successful beyond expectation, and said that no prime minister had had such a successful visit to China in the past.
“My recent visit to China will have far-reaching impact. I cannot share details of agreements signed with China. The Chinese assistance will help Pakistan improve its balance of payments. We are receiving all sorts of assistance from China, and trade and investment will go up,” he said.
Khan also said that his government’s campaign against money laundering is going ahead successfully, and that properties of Pakistanis worth $15bn have been detected in Dubai alone.
“Criticism by the opposition has grown up with the discovery of properties. We are inking accords with different countries for repatriation of the looted wealth,” he said. “Such accords have already been signed with Switzerland and Britain and will help bring back the plundered national wealth.”
“The Supreme Court verdicts will be implemented in their letter and spirit,” Khan added.
The prime minister said that on completion of its first 100 days in office, his government will unveil to the nation its comprehensive programme for the improvement of education and health facilities, alleviation of poverty, and improvement in many other sectors.
“The first 100 days of any government set its future direction. It becomes clear to the public in the first 100 days as to what direction of the government is and what will be its future policies,” he said.
Prime Minister Khan said that no attempt has been made for the establishment of true democracy in the country.
“Instead of democracy, there has been kleptocracy in Pakistan, and the rulers have been misusing power to serve their personal interests,” he said.