SARGODHA: Awam Pakistan Party chief Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Saturday that shots fired at D-Chowk symbolised the extreme measures taken to preserve power.

Speaking to reporters, he claimed that the PML-N’s narrative of respecting the vote had collapsed.

Mr Abbasi said he was willing to meet PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, highlighting the importance of a dialogue to resolve the country’s issues.

He said the youth were the future and urged politicians to work together to find solutions through discussion, asserting that violence was not the answer.

He said democracy thrives on the will of the people and that a government run by the power of the vote can help address the nation’s problems.

He dismissed repeated elections as an ineffective solution, pointing to the need to stop interference by certain forces that manipulate election results. He also criticised the state’s handling of its citizens, referencing the shots fired at D-Chowk as a bid to retain power.

Abbasi said PML-N President Nawaz Sharif should make decisive moves to steer the country out of its troubles. He further criticised the current government’s policies, stating that adherence to the constitution is the only viable path to resolve the economic and political crises.

Former finance minister Miftah Ismail echoed Abbasi’s criticism, expressing disappointment in Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s performance. Ismail accused him of failing to alleviate public hardships and worsening the financial crisis. He warned that without an alternative plan, Pakistan is at risk of bankruptcy.

POLICE MISCONUDCT: The highway patrol police in Jhawarian allegedly assaulted the conductor of a bus en route from Sargodha to Islamabad.

The incident reportedly began when the conductor charged fare from a plainclothes police official, who called his colleagues to retaliate.

The conductor alleged he was beaten, detained for an hour and his mobile phone was damaged.

Also, seven passengers were injured when a passenger van collided with a dumper on Salam Bhalwal Road. The injured were shifted to the THQ Hospital.

Residents of the area criticised the Highway Patrolling Police for failing to regulate heavily-loaded dumpers.

DIES: Motorcyclist Ali Raza died after colliding with a tractor near Chak Chocherianwala, Shahpur.

Raza and his companions were travelling to Kallar Kahar for a bike rally when the tractor took a sudden turn. Despite doctors’ efforts, Raza succumbed to his injuries at the Shahpur Tehsil Headquarters Hospital.

Pillion passengers Ziaur Rehman and Osama Mohsin remained unharmed.

The tractor driver fled the scene. The police are searching for him.

Raza, of Sahiwal, had joined the group during their journey through Jhang.

Published in Dawn, December 8th, 2024