PESHAWAR: Opposition leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah on Wednesday said the country faced global isolation due to the wrong policies of the federal government.

“Pakistan faces serious isolation in the world as the rulers are unable to ensure the country’s cordial diplomatic ties at least with neighbours. Our relations with Afghanistan had never become so harsh in the past as they’re now. The space meant for Pakistan in Afghanistan has been filled by India. Pakistan had no foreign minister to look after different international level issues and take timely steps,” he told reporters after visiting the house of late ANP leader Haji Adeel here for condolences.

Mr. Shah, who is a senior PPP leader, said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had no time for the country as he was often found in London, his favourite place.

He said it was unfortunate that the federal government had secured record foreign loans without realising countries weren’t secured through loans.

The opposition leader said by presenting a Qatari prince’s letter in the Supreme Court over Panamagate, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had proved that he had nothing else to support his case.

He said the PPP had brought all political parties, including PTI and ANP, on one page to collectively play role in Panamagate case but suddenly, the PTI decided to take a solo flight on the matter.

Mr. Shah said the PTI parted with all opposition parties and announced Islamabad’s lockdown but moved the court over the failure of the lockdown plan.

He said the PTI was busy changing lawyers in Panamagate case on a daily basis. The opposition leader said the PTI was busy changing lawyers in Panamagate case on a daily basis.

He said his party believed in parliamentary politics as the courts usually took a long time to decide cases.

Mr. Shah said parliament was the right platform to decide such matters.

“I don’t know who had asked the PTI to part ways with other opposition parties in the Panamagate case. The Supreme Court’s decision in the case will impact on the future of PTI’s politics,” he said.

The opposition leader claimed the courts were used for political purpose in the past, while the Punjab chief minister had tried to victimise PPP workers through a judge, which was later proved. He appreciated General Raheel Sharif and said the army chief had played a vital role for the elimination of terrorism from the country.

Mr. Shah said General Raheel Sharif was among the few most favourite national personalities and that his services for the country would long be remembered.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2016