PM directs not to issue production orders for Zardari, others: sources

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed for not issuing production orders for any member of the National Assembly, including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, sources informed Geo News Monday.

The prime minister issued the directives during a meeting he presided over here of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and coalition parties.

Addressing the participants, he termed members of the opposition "thieves, robbers", saying that nowhere in the world criminals came to the parliament on productions orders to deliver speeches against the prime minister or the government.

PM Khan directed members of the treasury to interrupt the speech by Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif, rather than gossiping with opposition members in cafeteria, the sources said.

He said those who burdened the country with heavy debts were "national criminals" and would be treated in kind.

According to sources, Sanaullah Mastikhel requested the prime minister for not taking the opposition head-on as the government had to get the budget approved.

At this, the premier was reported as telling Mastikhel that they were criminals and it was necessary to do all this against them.

The premier reportedly also asked for taking a guarantee from the opposition that they would allow him to deliver a speech, at which, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed said they would not keep their word.

During the meeting, Khalid Magsi asked the premier whether he thought his coalition partners would stay with him.

PM Khan replied saying he came alone and even if no one stayed with him, he would fight against corrupt individuals, the sources said.