Nayyar Bukhari, the Secretary-General of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), criticized the former Prime Minister and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif, for obtaining “relief” in various legal matters throughout his political journey.
In a recent appearance on local news channel ‘Geo News’ “Naya Pakistan,” Bukhari pulled no punches, remarking, “[You] can see PML-N’s history; they are experts in getting relief.” His comments came in the backdrop of Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan after four years and the consequent easing he received concerning legal battles — notably in the Avenfield, Al-Azizia, and Toshakhana cases.
Bukhari emphasized the necessity for impartiality in politics, insisting on a level playing field facilitated by the caretaker government. He expressed concern over the visible bias favouring the PML-N, a sentiment echoed by various PPP leaders, including Chairman Bilawal Bhutto.
PPP Demands Fair Play from Caretaker Government and ECP
The PPP secretary-general was vocal about the role of the caretaker government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), urging them to uphold their constitutional responsibilities. This call to action underscores PPP’s stance against any unconstitutional measures, reinforcing their demand for fairness in the political arena.
Regarding the PPP’s strategy in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Bukhari clarified that any alliance with the PML-N was strictly within the coalition’s framework. He affirmed PPP’s intention to independently contest elections across all constituencies, emphasizing their commitment to the democratic process.
This recent criticism aligns with previous objections raised by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who denounced the legal reliefs granted to Nawaz Sharif as a “total mockery of law.” These reactions were in response to the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) decision to reinstate appeals against Sharif’s convictions, further amplified by the Punjab government’s suspension of these convictions earlier in the week.
In light of these developments, the PPP’s outcry signals a tumultuous phase in Pakistan’s politics, highlighting the ongoing battle for transparency and equal treatment in the face of longstanding political rivalries.
