MULTAN - Former foreign minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi accused the government of committing pre-poll rigging, saying despite clear instructions from the Election Commission, the federal government made over four thousand recruitments in National Bank overnight.
Addressing a news conference here on Thursday, he said that the recruitments were made on March 11 against Grade 16 and the next day the workers were posted in Multan. He claimed that no advertisement was given in newspapers. “The list of recruitees came from Aiwan-e-Sadar and it is an attempt to influence the results of upcoming election,” he added.
He demanded the Chief Election Commissioner to take notice of new recruitments and launch an investigation into this issue. He warned that the PTI would be forced to move court if the EC failed to take any action. He maintained that development funds were still being released despite ban imposed by the EC. He said that the CEC was an honest person and 180 million Pakistanis pinned hopes on him.
Referring to the amendments in nomination papers form, he said that the form was in line with the Article 62 and 63 of constitution and it would help the masses protect country from qabza mafia, extortionists and looters of national wealth. He lashed out at the rulers, saying even IMF refused to talk to Pakistan because of rulers’ massive corruption. He said that the country lost its dignity and honour in the world because of the corrupt practices of the rulers, adding that price hike crushed poor people.
He said that the ineligible people were appointed as heads of important institutions as a result of which all institutions got ruined. Citing examples of PIA, Pakistan Steel and Railway, he said that all these institutions were on verge of destruction. He said that the Supreme Court blocked the way of corruption.
To a query, he said that no alliance would be made with former president Musharraf whatsoever. He said that the PTI would not take support from any one including USA and bring true revolution in the country. “We don’t need a vote of confidence from America. We need this vote from our own people,” he added. He strongly condemned Lahore incident and said that the face of all those involved in the tragedy should be unveiled. He said that the Supreme Court had rejected Punjab Government’s report.
He said that the term of existing government was going to end in 48 hours but neither the treasury nor opposition benches could evolve consensus on the names for caretaker set up.