Shahbaz has alienated Punjab, hurt feelings

* Punjab governor says statement has damaged image of provincial harmony
* PML-N is heir to Gen Zia’s legacy
* Statement ‘tantamount to bowing to Taliban’

Staff Report

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s statement, asking the Taliban not to target Punjab, has alienated the province from the rest of the country as well as hurt the sentiments of the people of Punjab, Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer said on Monday.

“The statement has damaged the image of provincial harmony in the country, as Punjab is the largest stakeholder in the war against terror. Shahbaz’s statement has proved that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is a provincial party, as it has disassociated Punjab from other provinces and hurt the sentiments of Punjabis,” he said while talking to journalists at the 2nd convocation of the Pak-Aims Institute of Management Sciences at Aiwan-e-Iqbal.

“If Punjab provides protection to such elements it would nurture sectarian sentiments,” he said, adding that Shahbaz’s statement would have long lasting effects on the PML-N’s political history. The governor said the statement negated the founding principles of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, adding the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had always worked for the strengthening of the federation. He advised the PML-N not to claim allegiance to Benazir Bhutto’s mission, “as the PML-N has alienated itself from Benazir’s political mission by aligning itself with the Taliban and their supporters”.

Heir: “It is not the stance of the Benazir Bhutto… it is the viewpoint of Gen Ziaul Haq,” he said, adding the PML-N was the heir to Gen Ziaul Haq’s legacy.

To another question, Taseer said the CM’s statement was tantamount to bowing to the Taliban and sectarian elements in the province.

“It is unfortunate that the statement has come at a time when our armed forces are engaged in a war against the terrorists,” the governor said.

To a question, he said terrorists did not respect any treaties. Referring to Sufi Muhammad, he said that he misused time and opportunity in the name of reconciliation provided to him in Swat.

Commenting on Shahbaz’s statement of maintaining anti-US policies, he said that history was a witness to who had sought US help after Kargil.

He said the CM’s statement had clarified the Punjab government’s support for the Taliban, adding that the Anti-Terrorism Act clearly defines that whoever supports and promotes terrorists is their ally.

The governor asked Shahbaz to clarify whether he wished to promote Talibanisation in Punjab.

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Nighat Orakzai offers dupatta to Shahbaz Sharif

Daily Times Monitor

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Nighat Orakzai on Monday removed her ‘dupatta’ and threw it on the floor during the NWFP Assembly session on Monday, asking the Punjab chief minister (CM) to wear it, in protest against a statement given by him in which he asked the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to “spare the province of Punjab from its terrorist activities”.

According to a private TV channel, the PML-Q MPA said that if Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is so scared of the Taliban, then he should starting wearing a ‘dupatta’. She said the Punjab CM’s statement had revealed that he was only concerned for the safety of his province, and called it a “betrayal” of those killed in terrorist activities in the NWFP.

Speaking at a seminar held at the Jamia Naeemia Mosque on March 14 (Sunday), the Punjab CM had said, “Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf planned a bloodbath of innocent Muslims at the behest of others only to prolong his term in office, but we, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz opposed the former president’s policies and rejected the dictation being received from abroad. If the Taliban are also fighting for the same cause, then they should not carry out acts of terror in the province of Punjab [where the PML-N is the ruling party].”

However, later defending his statement, the Punjab CM said that his remarks were ‘misinterpreted’ and taken out of context. He said that he has always spoken in support of all victims of terrorist activities, especially the people of the NWFP who are bearing the brunt of the majority of terrorist attacks in the country.


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Punjab CM’s speech sparks heated debate in NWFP assembly


PESHAWAR, March 15 (APP): Heated debate was witnessed in NWFP Assembly on Monday over reported statement of Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shabaz Sharif regarding terrorism in Punjab. The issue was raised in the House by MPA Saqibullah Khan Chamkani of ANP while speaking on a point of order.

Saqibullah Chamkani observed that Punjab Chief Minister might be misreported by Press as the statement is against the policy of government for curbing militancy and terrorism.

He said Punjab government should issue a clarification as the Province is not a sole affectee of terrorism, but the whole country is facing this menace.

The issue gave an opportunity to MPA of PML(Q), Nighat Orakzai who took the floor and started severe criticism over the comments of Punjab Chief Minister.

Nighat alleged that Shabaz Sharif has proved that he is just the Chief Minister of Punjab and has no concerns with other parts of the country.

Remarks of Nighat Orakzai prompted MPA Munawar Khan of PML(N) to respond and clarify the position of his leader.

Munawar Khan said that opposition of PML(N) leadership over renaming of NWFP as ‘Pukhtoonkhwa’ is the reason behind campaign launched to malign the image of Shabaz Sharif.

The speech of Munawar Khan was interrupted by a number of MPAs who wanted to explain their point on the issue and at some times pandemonium prevailed in the assembly and Speaker had to request the members to be calm and sit on their seats.

However taking the floor, Provincial Minister for Information, Mian Iftikhar Hussain said Punjab has performed the role of big brother during the migration of IDPs from Malakand division.

He said Punjab Chief Minister might be misreported by press and he suggested Shabaz Sharif to clarify his position as the statement referred to him is harmful to the efforts being made for curbing militancy.

Mian Iftikhar said government’s stance on terrorism was very clear that no leniency would be showed to militants and country would be completely purged from such elements.