Report in Dawn, November 1st, 2020
LAHORE: Senior PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq has asserted that he stands by what he recently said in the National Assembly but his remarks have been misinterpreted.
“I regret the way my political statement, meant for this incompetent government, has been misinterpreted and linked to the Pakistan Army,” he said while talking to the media after hosting Maulana Fazlur Rehman, president of the newly formed opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), at his residence.
Mr Sadiq insisted that the government took a cue from the Indian media and interpreted his statement precisely the way Indians were doing.
“Politics should be done between political parties without involving state institutions. I had headed the parliamentary committee on national security (in the past) and have many national secrets buried in my heart, which I have never revealed nor would I ever do so. This bunch of idiots ruling the country followed the Indian (media) line of propaganda and has done disservice to the national cause. We are politicians and will continue to issue political statements against each other. However, if and when it comes to India, everyone knows that we are one,” the PML-N leader said.
“I would also advise the media to move on and stop playing in the hands of those playing the Indian tune,” he concluded.
Mr Rehman explained the PDM stance on the issue that, according to him, had created a storm in a teacup. “In this country, convicted blasphemers are escorted out of the country with protocol. But some institutions are so holy that even their individual employees can’t be discussed. This is something we do not accept. If insulting someone is bad, it should be applicable to all, including judges, generals and opposition leaders.”
The PDM chief said: “Today, the country has almost defaulted. The growth rate has plummeted from a healthy over six per cent to negative. This (PTI) government destroyed the economy in its very first year and the people started protesting only a few months after the party assumed power. Now, the situation has become worse and almost all segments of society are up in arms.
“This set-up is a security risk for the country. This is why we insist that illegal governments shouldn’t be imposed on us,” he went on to say. “Don’t interfere in politics, don’t rig elections and let the country run according to the constitution. What is the role of the parliament? What role can the judiciary play? How should the defence institutions behave and what bureaucracy can and cannot do? Everyone should play according to the rules. If that happens, we will cooperate with all others. However, if someone considers himself pivot of all national activity and starts behaving like the owner, then troubles are bound to sprout everywhere. To top it all, this collection of amateurs keeps everyone provoked and at the edge of nerves.”
Accompanied by almost the entire provincial leadership of the PML-N and the JUI-F, Mr Rehman said the opposition alliance was here to stay. “Attempts to create divisions were foiled in Karachi and would be defeated at every stage. We are united and following our already set goals, path and agenda,” he concluded. https://www.dawn.com/news/1587989/ayaz-stands-by-remarks-in-na-regrets-misinterpretation
