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The PML-N continues its ongoing onslaught against state institutions and has backed the controversial remarks by former National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. The senior PML-N leader has appeared defiant and refused to apologise, adding that he stands by his stance and never made any irresponsible comments.
There has been intense criticism in political and social circles after he claimed that PTI government released Indian pilot Abhinandan in capitulation, fearing an imminent attack from India. Banners propped up overnight in Ayaz Sadiq’s constituency in Lahore, declaring him a traitor and comparing him with the captured pilot.
Ayaz Sadiq has criticized Indian media for distorting his statement after the hyper-sensationalist media claimed that Pakistan received jitters in releasing the Indian pilot. However, Ayaz Sadiq said that his criticism was drawn at the PTI government and not the army, adding that the ‘political colour’ given to the statement did not benefit Pakistan either. Instead, he claimed that the government misread his statement by adopting Indian media strategies.
Another question has been raised over the timings of the statement when the opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is holding rallies and protests against the government. This has given the PTI government an excuse that the PDM is following the Indian narrative which will harm the country and that Ayaz Sadiq was instructed to give the statement.
PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has also backed Ayaz Sadiq’s statement, stating that the government created a storm in teacup and claiming that nobody, not even state institutions, is beyond criticism. The civil and military leadership have opposed the remarks. The army spokesman had expressed disappointment over any attempt to link the Indian pilot’s release with anything than a goodwill gesture. Interior Minister Ejaz Shah had stated that those supporting the PML-N’s narrative should leave for India.
The government is contemplating filing cases against Ayaz Sadiq, claiming that the matter has reached beyond apology and that the Indian media was using the statement to its full degree. There is no doubt that Ayaz’s statement had damaged Pakistan’s image and is not in national interest. In their quest for bringing the government, the PML-N is weakening the state with such statements.
The cracks have emerged with the party as many party members have distanced himself from such a narrative. It remains unanswered how this anti-state narrative will benefit the PML-N or is it just a ploy to stop the accountability process and protect their vested interests.
