Imran criticises ‘private citizen Maryam getting official protocol’

CHITRAL: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan criticised the ‘buildup’ to Maryam Nawaz’s appearance before the Panama case Joint Investigation Team (JIT) today.

Addressing an event in Chitral, the PTI chief said they [Sharif family members] are being called in a criminal investigation in light of the April 20 Supreme Court judgment.

“She’s a normal citizen but 2,500 security personnel were deployed to give her security,” he said, adding that they all consider themselves members of a royal family.

He also criticised the politics of family dynasties in Pakistan, referring to the Pakistan Peoples Party and Awami National Party as well ‘whose next of kin are in line to take the throne’.

In the rest of the world people do not know the names of the children of prime ministers and presidents, he explained.

“When you end rule of law in a country, society is destroyed,” he claimed.

Referring to the premier’s son Hasan Nawaz’s recent comments wondering why he has been called thrice by the JIT, Imran said “you were called because you were a student a few years ago and are now living on a property worth billions of rupees”.

“When they’re asked about the money trail they raise a hue and cry,” he added.

Talking about the lack of meritocracy in the country, Imran said a merit-based system will strengthen democracy. It is our mission to ensure merit in country, he stated.

Referring to the lynching of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan student Mashal Khan on April 13, Imran said Mashal was killed because he questioned the political appointments in his varsity [and not over blasphemy allegations].

In a series of tweets earlier, Imran voiced his criticism of Maryam “getting official protocol with police saluting”.
The officer in question was reportedly SP Arsala Saleem, who was specially deputed in light of Maryam’s summoning at the JIT.

Responding the Imran Khan’s comments, State Interior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a statement that no official protocol was given to the premier’s daughter during her visit to the judicial academy.

She said Maryam Nawaz reached the site in private vehicles of the Sharif family.

“Imran Khan should explain under which capacity he uses the helicopter of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, and why he is [running away] from the courts,” the statement quoted the minister.