The nomination papers of PML-N leader Pervaiz Rasheed were rejected by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday over allegations that he had defaulted on payments meant for Punjab House.
The Punjab government had released a list of people in 2018 who had not cleared their bills for staying and taking meals at the Punjab House. Rasheed was among those who were named in the list.
“Imran Khan can’t tolerate criticism,” said Rasheed, reacting to the development as he spoke to media. “I criticise [the government] hence efforts are being made to keep me out of the parliament.”
Rasheed accused the government of preparing a fake ‘demand’ against him. “To dispose of this fake demand, I am ready to make the payment,” said the senior PML-N leader.
“You can close the doors on me, but you can’t stop my voice,” he said, addressing the government. “I will appeal against the decision to reject my nomination papers.”
Rasheed alleged that fake cases against PML-N leaders were being made, accusing the government of keeping political opponents “away from the field”.
“I did not keep silent then and I will not be silent now,” he said. “People such as me are like a thorn in their [government’s] side,” he added.
