Repeated attempts made to discredit government, says Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said, in an apparent reference to the Panama Papers probe, that attempts have always been made to discredit civilian government.

The minister added that Pakistan needs stability in order to progress.

He added that democracy has always faced resistance and rulers have faced hurdles in completing their tenure.

“11 months are remaining, people should now be allowed to make a decision,” said Iqbal and added that if the current leadership has not performed in the eyes of the public, the people will not vote for them in the coming elections.

“At first there was Article 58 (2B) and now there is an attempt to create a judicial Article 58 (2B),” said Ahsan Iqbal.

The federal minister further said the PML-N government tightened the noose around terrorists, adding that Pakistan is reaching new heights.

“Developing Pakistan became our crime,” said Iqbal.

The PML-N leaders are to hold a press conference today to discuss the country’s political situation in wake of the final Joint Investigation Team’s report submitted to the Supreme Court.

The Opposition leaders in their statements today demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The JIT, in its final probe report into the Sharif family’s assets, held that the prime minister and his three children — Maryam, Hussain and Hasan — have accumulated wealth beyond their own known sources of income.