17 army officers removed through administrative action, not trial: Khaqan Abbasi

Former prime minister and PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has maintained that sacking of 17 army officers in connection with May 9 riots was the result of an administrative action and they did not undergo trial.

In an interview with 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday, Khaqan Abbasi said “If one looks closely at the ISPR director general’s presser the other day, it will be realized that no trial of the army officers was held and they were punished through an administrative order. This is Army’s law.”

He said “It’s the system of the army under which they can remove any officer who does not fulfil duty or commit mistake. This is an action and not a trial against these officers. They did not record their statements.”

He further said “The trial of 102 people which the ISPR DG said is being held in military courts on terrorism charges, are not linked to May 9 violence. These are the trials of those people who were involved in old terror incidents.”

Abbasi said the government was responsible for the May 9 incidents. “Had the government moved against those who were hurling petrol bombs at police in Punjab, then these people would not have attacked the military installations,” he said.

The former prime minister said the May 9 violence had sent a very bad message to the outside world and it also hurt the national economy.

While pointing fingers at the Dubai plan, Khaqan Abbasi said next elections, running the country and consultations on seat adjustments are not a cup of tea of just two parties. “All political stakeholders will have to join these consultations and decide how to run this country. All must come together to lift the country  from this quagmire,” he added.

Khaqan Abbasi predicted that the next government would also be a coalition one. “In the present circumstances, no party can garner majority in the Parliament,” he added.

Khaqani Abbasi declared that Nawaz Sharif could become prime minister for a fourth time as his disqualification is no more valid. Credibility of Javed Latif who used to give dates for Nawaz Sharif’s return has been badly tarnished, he said and added “Decision to come back to Pakistan will be Nawaz Sharif’s own.”

To a question, he replied if the Assembly does not complete its term then in accordance with the Constitution elections could be held by November 13.
He also made it clear that consultations for a caretaker set-up are usually held during the last days of the government.

Khaqan Abbasi, who is himself secretary general of PDM, predicted that the Pakistan Democratic Movement will not contest elections jointly as it was an opposition alliance and not an electoral one.

Responding to another question, he said PML-N was not in good terms with Miftah Ismail and the situation was also not in favour of the former finance minister, so he resigned from all party posts.

He said “There was a London plan before the Dubai plan. Meaningful elections will benefit the country not the misdirected elections.”

To another question, Khaqan Abbasi expressed no-confidence in the present bidding system for acquiring LNG. “That’s why no company is investing in it,” he added.

He further said the deteriorating economic situation of Pakistan is keeping the international companies at bay.

He said only LNG cargos are coming in although 12 cargos can be consumed. “We will have to go for long-term LNG agreements after determining our demand and rate,” he said.

 

Reporter Awais Kiyani