Maryam Nawaz criticises Imran Khan for “hiding in a bunker and exploiting women as human shields.”

LAHORE : On Saturday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President and Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for “hiding in a bunker” and “using women as a shield.”

During a casual meeting with media in Lahore, the PML-N scion commented on the PTI head hiding in a burrow and avoiding court appearances, a reference to the ex-prime minister living at his Lahore mansion and ignoring repeated court orders to appear.

Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, whose administration was ousted by a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly in April of last year, declared that his party’s ‘Jail Bharo’ (court arrest) campaign would begin on February 17 in Lahore.

The PTI chairman’s decision comes as he accuses the coalition government headed by the Pakistan Democratic Movement of “political victimisation” of his party’s leaders.

Khan said in his speech to the country via video connection a day earlier, “We will fill the prisons till they [authorities] have nowhere to hide.”

“Imran Khan [came to power] with the assistance of the establishment and is now attempting to exploit the court. “His deeds are soon to be revealed,” Maryam stated, adding criticising the PTI for remaining in its “bunker.”

The senior politician of the PML-N stated that the PTI head had a 12-year plan to control the nation, but Nawaz Sharif hindered his efforts.

“Imran Khan intended to make the following appointment, but was unable to do so,” she claimed, alluding to the appointment of the army leader. She said, “Nawaz Sharif did not panic, and his [Khan’s] strategy failed.”

Without identifying any individuals, the party’s head organiser said “certain people” who are on their way out and want Khan’s support. “There is no institution that supports Imran Khan. The defeat of the PTI is written on the wall.”

Maryam, while asking that the PTI leader be held responsible, said that individuals like him should not evade responsibility.

“Responsibility is not for vengeance. “We must draw the line,” she stated, emphasising the necessity for a future action plan.

In an effort to persuade the judges, the senior vice president of the PML-N said that accountability does not undermine but rather enhances institutions.

On the likelihood of elections, the PML-N leader said that although she is preparing for them, she does not care when they occur.

“We are prepared for the election whenever it occurs. Maryam said, “I am going to the public” while asserting that her party is working hard and would win the election.

Speaking on the growing levels of inflation, Maryam acknowledged that people would not react favourably; nonetheless, she noted her government’s efforts to repair the economy that the PTI-led government in Islamabad had destroyed.

“The nation is undergoing development. The emphasis should be on development, she added, underlining the PML-performance-based N’s philosophy and how Pakistan must return to it.

On the likelihood of elections, the PML-N leader said that although she is preparing for them, she does not care when they occur.

“We are prepared for the election whenever it occurs. Maryam said, “I am going to the public” while asserting that her party is working hard and would win the election.