ISLAMABAD, August 1(ABC): PML-Q senior leader Chaudhry Shujaat Monday blamed politicians after the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa intervened in the economic matters of the country by contacting a US official and requested the early dispersal of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) funds.
“Why was there a need for the army chief to interfere?” Shujaat questioned while addressing a press conference flanked by Tariq Bashir Cheema in the federal capital after recent political activities in the province that took a toll on the economy of Pakistan.
Last week, Gen Bajwa reached out to the US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on a phone call to help Islamabad secure an early dispersal of $1.2 billion in funds under an IMF loan programme, reported.
Commenting on the developments that took place in the largest province over the last few weeks in the wake of the Supreme Court’s verdict on the chief minister’s election, Shujaat said: “Everything is fine and everything will remain fine.”
The former prime minister said that he wanted to speak about various issues, including the economic crisis and the allegations levelled against him, among others.
“Speaking truth has become a sin these days,” Shujaat said, adding that the public, as well as the politicians, hurled filthy abuses at him and his sons.
Regarding his sons and their involvement in political matters, the PML-Q leader — who was recently removed from his party position following the letter controversy during the CM’s election — said: “Attempts are being made to defame my sons, they have taken all decisions after consulting me and I am proud of them.”
He further added that those who levelled allegations against him and his sons have “no standing.”
“Politicians are being blamed for the economic destruction in the country,” he said, adding that the allegations levelled against them involve talks about bribery.
“I have always supported the truth and will continue to do so,” he maintained.
‘Act wisely’
Regarding Chief Minister Pervez Elahi and his support for the PTI, Shujaat urged him [Elahi] to act wisely and stop making a mockery of the family.
“I invite him to return to his residence,” he said, stressing that they [PTI] conspired to divide the party as well as the family.
