Nehal Hashmi threatens those investigating PM’s son, warns of consequences

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Nehal Hashmi, in a speech to workers in Karachi at a Youm-e-Takbeer event, threatened the prime minister's unidentified 'enemies'.

"The one you are investigating is the PM's son," roared Hashmi.

Without identifying who he was referring to, Hashmi said, “You will not be spared; you are in service now but remember you will retire tomorrow.”

"Those investigating us [must know] we will observe your day of judgment,” he stated further.

In the video, Hashmi also lashed out at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan, casting doubts over the money trail of his Bani Gala estate. “We will reduce the space in this country for your kids and your family," he added.  

However, talking to Geo News later, Hashmi said he was referring to politicians and not anyone else.

“The retirement reference was just rhetoric, I am a lawyer myself and was not referring to judges,” he claimed. He explained that those who take everything from Pakistan yet sing to others’ tunes were my target. 

‘JIT, judges the target’

Reacting to the speech, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson commented that Hashmi has openly threatened the [Panama case] Joint Investigation Team. “Judges are being scandalised. We will not let any conspiracy against the judges and the JIT succeed,” he said, adding that the remarks amount to terrorism and treason. Chaudhry also called on the Supreme Court Chief Justice to take a suo motu notice of the incident.

PTI MNA Asad Umer also claimed Hashmi’s target was the JIT, saying “I wonder when [Interior Minister] Chaudhry Nisar will give orders for Hashmi’s arrest.”

‘Personal opinion’

Reports stated that the Prime Minister House has asked Hashmi for an explanation.

Talking to Geo News, State Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb distanced the Prime Minister House from the controversial remarks, saying Hashmi’s statement is his personal opinion.

Terming the remarks inappropriate and unfortunate, the minister assured that action would be taken against the party member. 

"De-seating Nehal Hashmi"

Opposition leader Khursheed Shah said that in the National Assembly session on Thursday, the Opposition would demand that Nehal Hashmi should be de-seated.

Shah said that the institutions have been threatened.

“Will not allow the president to speak a word tomorrow in the house,” said the Opposition leader.

The threatening of the JIT members is beyond reason, he said, adding that ‘hooliganism would not be allowed’.

Hashmi’s threats part of PML-N political culture

PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Twitter criticised Nehal Hashmi’s statements.