ISLAMABAD: Raja Riaz Ahmed, the opposition leader in the National Assembly (NA), envisions two potential scenarios for the upcoming general elections. He said that the polls might either happen within three months in November or face two years delay. He also said that he will meet the Prime Minister to finalize the name for the caretaker setup.
Moreover, he believes conducting elections in November would hinder the country’s economic strengthening. Therefore, he sees the polls happening only when the nation achieves financial stability. Riaz supports timely polls as per democratic requirements but expresses concern about the serious state of the country’s economy.
The senior politician emphasized the need to fortify the country’s economy before holding elections. He acknowledged the history of frequent polls in the past and anticipated such processes to continue in the future.
Regarding the interim prime minister, Raja could not disclose his support or opposition to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s name. However, said that both he and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will agree on finalizing a name for the caretaker prime minister slot.
Riaz asserted that he doesn’t want the premier to agree to any name he suggests, indicating it’s not about stubbornness. He might also consider PM Shehbaz’s suggestion for the appropriate name.
When asked about banning PTI after the violent events of May 9, Riaz strongly advocated for the party’s ban, citing disrespect to martyrs. He believes that action should be taken under Article 6 (high treason) of the Constitution against PTI’s leaders.
Regarding military trials of civilians involved in the riots, Riaz sees no harm in them. He said those individuals trespassed into the army’s territory and they deserve trials in military courts.
Speaking about PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s loyalty to Imran Khan, Riaz said that those who were sincere with Khan are either in jail or have fled. He claimed that those still supporting him are not sincere.
