ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Raja Riaz Ahmed said that he is predicting two possible scenarios for the upcoming general elections.
He told a private TV channel during an interview that the elections could either be held within three months in November this year or delayed by two years.
The senior politician emphasized that holding elections in November would hamper the country’s economic stability, stressing that he does not see elections taking place until the nation achieves financial stability.
In Riaz’s view, adherence to democratic requirements requires timely elections, a position he supports. However, he expressed concern over the current state of the country’s economy and described it as serious and dangerous.
The politician supported the economic strengthening of the country before the elections. Raja acknowledged the history of periodic elections in the past and expected such electoral processes to continue in the future.
Raja said that he could not support or oppose the name of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar as the caretaker prime minister. However, he added that both he and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would reach a consensus on finalizing a name for the caretaker prime minister.
Riaz said that I have a very good working relationship with Shahbaz Sharif, we will agree on a name.
The senior politico added that it was no one’s objection that he wanted the prime minister to agree to any name he suggested.
They may also agree to Prime Minister Shehbaz’s proposal if a suitable name is shared for the slot.
When asked about the ruling coalition government’s views on banning the PTI after the May 9 violence, Riaz said: “Because of [disrespecting] the martyrs, I say that this party ( (PTI) should be banned.”
He said that PTI did what India could not do. When asked if the party leaders should be prosecuted under Article 6 (high treason) of the constitution, he replied: “It should be”.
Commenting on military trials of civilians, the politician said there was no harm in it, as those involved in the riots stepped into army territory.
“Why did these people go to their (army) limits? If they went to their own land, they should be prosecuted according to their limits. There is nothing wrong with that.”
Talking about PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s loyalty to party chief Imran Khan, Riaz said that those who were loyal to Imran Khan were either in jail or had fled, while those who were now Even those who stood with him were not sincere.
