Shehbaz is more corrupt than elder brother, alleges Rashid

Interior minister says opposition can't get enough numbers for no-confidence movement

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid on Wednesday alleged that Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif was more corrupt than his elder brother Nawaz Sharif.

In a press conference, he said that corruption cases were pending before accountability courts for a long while; however, he expressed hope that 70 mega corruption cases would be settled in the next 18 months.

The interior minister casted a doubt over the proposed long march of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) scheduled for March 23. He said that the march would fail as the people had lost confidence in the opposition. “The establishment is completely neutral and supports the elected government,” he claimed.

Regarding the recent meetings involving the PML-N and government’s allies – Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) – he said that the opposition had its eyes on the government’s allies. “They went to meet Chaudhry brothers of the PML-Q, which is our ally as they have voted in the favour of the finance bill,” he affirmed.

The opposition, he said, could not get the required numbers to support a no-confidence movement against the incumbent government. “It’s their problem to get the required numbers,” he said while advising the opposition to look out for “potential backstabbers” within its ranks. Rashid had earlier claimed that there are 14 to 15 opposition members, who secretly support Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Regarding the disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Faisal Vawda, he said that Vawda would challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court and might get a stay order.

Rashid went on to say that the network of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offices was being expanded to the far-flung areas of the country. As many as 13 passport offices were being set up in interior Sindh, he added.

Similarly, he said, succession certificates would also be introduced in Azad Kashmir and Balochistan.

While expressing concerns over the new wave of terrorism in the country, he reiterated that Pakistan had good relations with the Afghan Taliban and expressed hope that they would not let anyone use their land against Pakistan.

He lauded Prime minister Imran Khan for increasing the salary of FC personnel by 15 percent. “I have requested the prime minister to increase the salary of civil servants as well,” he added.

Interior minister was delighted that the Australian cricket team was coming to Pakistan after years and was optimistic about the tour of Iranian foreign minister as well.