In a sharp rebuke to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal criticized the party for allegedly seeking foreign intervention in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
Iqbal accused the PTI of “begging” the United States (US) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) for its founder, Imran Khan.
Iqbal’s comments came in response to the PTI’s actions, including writing to the IMF to demand an audit of the 2024 nationwide elections before bailout talks. He condemned the PTI for what he perceived as opening doors for foreign interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
Top PML-N Leader (Credits: Outlook India)
During an interview with Geo News program “Naya Pakistan with Shahzad Iqbal,” Iqbal emphasized that election rigging was not the primary concern of the former ruling party. He accused the PTI of seeking political amnesty for Imran Khan through foreign channels, an outcome Iqbal deemed unattainable.
Iqbal also asserted that Imran Khan would have to face legal cases against him, implying that seeking an NRO was an attempt to avoid accountability. He urged all parties to work together to address the country’s challenges following the completion of the election process.
Despite the PTI’s objections and allegations of electoral malpractice, Iqbal welcomed the party to play a constructive role as an opposition.
He noted that the PTI had accepted the February 8 poll results after its leaders were sworn in as lawmakers, suggesting that the party should address its grievances through Pakistan’s judiciary and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Preliminary poll results indicate that the PML-N is poised to form its government in the Centre and the largest province of Punjab with the support of seven ally parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Meanwhile, the PTI, despite winning the highest number of seats, lacks the necessary strength to govern the country, even after merging with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and forming a coalition with a total of five parties.
