Horse-trading is not an option to occupy higher positions, says PM Abbasi

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi says political stability is a prerequisite for sustainable economic development in the country.

He performed the ground breaking ceremony of two projects, Dera Ghazi Khan Northern bypass and Rakhi Gajj-Bewata section of the Indus Highway in Dera Ghazi Khan on Saturday.

Addressing those present, the prime minister said that political decisions come through ballot instead of courts. He further added that it was unfortunate to drag those to courts who strive for people’s welfare. He said this needs to end as it was not sustainable and was eventually damaging the country, stating that, “A nation that disrespects its politicians never prosper”.

The prime minister criticized previous governments for wasting time instead of working for the people, providing with reasons for failures than working to achieve success. PM Abbasi praised party leader Nawaz Sharif for his leadership, telling those present that if there was anyone who could solve the problems of Pakistan, it was the former Pakistan Muslim League chief, Nawaz Sharif.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said his party had full respect for the courts. However, he said, it was the right of the people to take political decisions. He said there could be criticism on the legal decisions but those taken by the people could not be criticized as those eventually reflect popular will.

Referring to horse trading in recent Senate elections, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said such practices in politics should be stopped now.

He said PML-N's politics is based on honesty, merit, patience and respect for others.

The prime minister said PML- N has not spent even a single penny in senate elections. He said higher positions should not be occupied through horse trading and corrupt practices as it would harm the political culture and development of the country.

Commenting on the recent political crisis, PM Abbasi noted that his party had always respected the judiciary. “Political decisions are made by voters, and not through courts,” he said.

Taking an apparent jibe at the judiciary, he advised judges to leave political decisions to the people citing how they voted the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) into power in 2008, but rejected the party in 2013 as it failed to deliver.

He said people have to stand up against the way the Senate election was held and vote for the Pakistan Muslim League in the next general election to rid the country of corrupt practices.

The prime minister said today the nation had to resolve and pledge that they would put an end to this heinous practice.

“We have never used derogatory words to intimidate individuals. The people will respond to people who take recourse to such language,” Abbasi told the gathering.