Senator Irfan Siddiqui, a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), has emphasized that Nawaz Sharif consistently avoided confrontations with institutions, asserting that had he struck a deal in the past, the political landscape would be different today. Speaking on the “Jargah” program on Geo News, Siddiqui distinguished between revenge and accountability, expressing the party’s desire for accountability without any animosity and a commitment to avoiding conflicts with institutions, including the military.
During the interview, Siddiqui highlighted that the extension for former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was granted by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. He clarified that General Raheel Sharif did not want General Pervez Musharraf to face trial, and when Musharraf’s trial began, Raheel Sharif was dissatisfied. Siddiqui asserted that Raheel Sharif conveyed to Nawaz Sharif through an intermediary that if he expedited the extension for him (Raheel Sharif), there would be no extension for Musharraf.
Referring to the slogan “Vote Ko Izzat Do” (Respect the Vote), coined by Nawaz Sharif, Senator Irfan Siddiqui claimed that he introduced this slogan for the first time. He reiterated the party’s commitment to upholding the dignity of the vote, underscoring that the essence of democracy lies in respecting the electoral mandate.
Addressing the performance of the incumbent government, Siddiqui credited the 16-month PML(N) government for steering the country away from economic crises. He asserted that the party envisions Nawaz Sharif as a potential candidate for the position of Prime Minister, highlighting Bilawal Bhutto as a promising young leader but critiquing senior politicians continuing to engage in politics for decades.
Siddiqui commented on the current state of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that their present predicament is a result of their own actions. He remarked that the PTI, which once positioned itself against traditional politics, is now practicing the same politics it condemned.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui’s statements shed light on Nawaz Sharif’s approach to politics and accountability, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between revenge and accountability while expressing the party’s political aspirations for the future.
