ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Shibli Faraz today (Sunday) has strongly criticized the opposition leaders for hurling attacks on country’s integrity and institutions.
While addressing a press conference in Islamabad following PDM’s power show in Quetta, Shibli Faraz termed 11-party opposition ‘the third piece of the axis of evil’ with the other two being India and Israel.
“The reason behind my statement is the slogan ‘Azaad Balochistan’ (Free Balochistan) raised by Owais Noorani during PDM’s public gathering in Quetta,” he added.
Shibli Faraz, while referring to Owais Noorani said, “He is not from that region and he shouldn’t have said things like this. This is what our enemies say, adding that the government would rid Pakistan of these thieves and robbers.
“When these corrupt leaders are in power, every institution works fine, but when they are out of power, they use every weapon, every tactic that harms the country,” he added.
He further said the people of Pakistan were aware of the sacrifices of Pakistan Army and security agencies in successfully fighting war on terrorism and averted Pakistan from becoming Syria, Iraq, or Afghanistan.
“It is unfortunate that an absconder was allowed to make a speech and talk negatively about country’s institutions,” he added.
Talking about PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz, he said that she had no moral authority to say such things and ask such questions. Earlier in the day, Maryam had once again criticised retired Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa, saying that he should respond to allegations against him.
In this regard, Shibli Faraz said, “Maryam and your father (Nawaz Sharif) have to answer questions. You are convicted by courts and are out of jail on bail.”
Referring to Pakistan People’s Party, Faraz said, “PPP used to be a federal party but is now relegated to a regional party,” adding that the party had been involved in corruption scandals for which it had never answered.
Faraz reiterated that the opposition’s agenda was to protect itself from accountability. “Their kids are abroad, their properties are abroad, why would they care? It is us who are affected by corrupt leaders,” he concluded.
