PM Nawaz lashes out at opponents demanding resignation

SIALKOT: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hit out at his political opponents on Wednesday, saying the people of Pakistan knew who was conspiring against the country's development.

The premier expressed confidence that he would emerge victorious from the current crisis. 

During an address at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce, Prime Minister Sharif said those who had been rejected repeatedly by the masses were demanding his resignation.

“Their target is only to remove Nawaz Sharif and then make their own way. They could not do it through the people's vote and are now looking for another way,” said the prime minister.

"What corruption are they talking about?" wondered the prime minister, saying not a single penny from public funds has ever been misappropriated in his tenure.

Lashing out at those indulging in negative politics since the past four years, the prime minister emphasised that the country would have been in a much better state had that not happened.

“This is the first time I have governed for four years, let’s see what happens next.”

According to the prime minister the game which had started in 2014 was still continuing in one form or the other.

Prime Minister Sharif said he is facing accountability today, then others too, will be held accountable tomorrow.

"Even if only I am being held accountable, it doesn't matter as someone is being held accountable," said Sharif.

During his address, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif revealed that in 1998 US President Bill Clinton had offered $50 million to not conduct the nuclear tests. “If I wasn’t honest I would have accepted Bill Clinton’s offer.” 

The stock exchange suffered as a result of the ongoing controversy, he claimed.

Business leaders present at the Chamber of Commerce said conducive business environment coupled with improved security situation in the country has reinforced the confidence of domestic investors. 

Later, addressing the party’s political workers, he said that it’s not the government’s funds that are being scrutinised but rather his family which is being held accountable.

He asked what exactly are the cases against him and challenged his opponents to find one instance of corruption in his tenures as a public officer bearer in the ‘90s.

“Hold me accountable but at least tell me what the charge is,” the prime minister said.

In an apparent reference to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan, the premier said that he hurls accusations and uses abusive language on a daily basis.

Earlier, the premier inaugurated the newly established Riazuddin Sheikh Business and Trade Centre in Sialkot.

The premier was accompanied by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal. 

A joint venture of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, the Business and Trade Centre is aimed at promoting trade, business, industrial and export activities in the region.

He was also expected to visit the house of Asif, a member of the National Assembly from Sialkot.