- Reiterates importance of strong Pak-U.S ties
ISLAMABAD, January 15: Prime Minister Imran Khan has termed the walkout in the National Assembly by the opposition as a “pressure tactic to seek a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) and evade accountability for corruption in NAB cases.”
“In a Parliament that costs taxpayers billions yearly, yet another walkout in NA by the Opposition shows that this is the only function they intend to perform,” PM Imran tweeted.
He added, “These are pressure tactics to seek an NRO and evade accountability for corruption in NAB cases not initiated by PTI.” The premier further said, “Does democracy mean immunity from corruption of democratically elected political leaders? It seems for them being elected is a license to plunder the country.” During a session of the NA on Monday, the opposition walked out of the House as opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif demanded that there be a rebidding for the contracts of the Mohmand dam as the entire procedure seemed questionable.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government gave the contract after the process was started by the PML-N government.
However, when Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda stood up to reply to Shehbaz, the opposition walked out of the House in protest. Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan has reiterated the importance of a strong Pakistan-US relationship based on mutual interest and trust.
He stated while talking to former US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter who called on him in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister noted his government’s priorities to bring about a meaningful transformation in the lives of Pakistani citizens through socio-economic development and equitable distribution of resources.
He added that regional security environment was necessary to realize the economic agenda of his government.
Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan fully supports a political settlement in Afghanistan which was the only viable option to end this conflict.
Cameron Munter said Pakistan is an important country of the region and critical to US national security objectives.
He informed that as a former diplomat and now as President of East West Institute, a prominent think tank, he continues to advocate strong relationship between Pakistan and United States. – DNA
