Javed Latif, a federal minister and senior leader of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has called for those involved in launching “Project Imran” to be held accountable and punished.
At a news conference on Wednesday in Lahore, Latif voiced his concern over the recurrence of situations like the riots on May 9 if action is not taken.
Latif emphasised the significance of self-accountability within institutions, saying, “If one institution launches self-accountability, it sends a good message. The process of self-accountability is something that all institutions should engage in. The institution responsible for delivering justice should likewise undergo a process of self-accountability.
To prevent more economic and social unrest in Pakistan, he said, the people behind the “project” should be apprehended and punished.
The PML-N leader went on to call for harsh punishment for those responsible for the May 9 disturbances, going so far as to propose public hangings at busy crossroads. Latif stated that the nation would not allow any form of mercy extended to the criminals.
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He also demanded that individuals responsible for the violations of the Constitution and the harm they caused to the country be held accountable, regardless of their position or authority.
Latif hoped that the institution accountable for dispensing justice would follow the lead of the institution he praised for commencing self-accountability in light of recent occurrences. He claimed, “The evidence of facilitation is already there… Pakistan is being destroyed in order to save one person,” hinting that political motivations were at play.
The PML-N leader emphasised the difficulties Pakistan is having without former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, implying that life in the country is deteriorating without him.
As Latif put it, “People sitting in institutions are also realising that it is getting difficult for Pakistan to function without Nawaz Sharif. The PML-N is adamant that elections be held without further delay.
When asked about the party’s opinion that facilitation for PTI chief Imran Khan had taken place, he said that it had been confirmed, and he closed by emphasising the significance of criticising policies that have led to Pakistan’s deteriorating position.
How other political parties and institutions in Pakistan respond to Latif’s demands and allegations is an open question. The call for accountability and how the matter is handled going forward will have a significant impact on the political landscape and the security of the country.
