QWP, ANP at odds with opposition over PM’s resignation demand

ISLAMABAD: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) and Awami National Party (ANP) are at odds with other opposition parties over the demand for the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif following the Panama Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report.

Differences over seeking the immediate resignation of the prime minister emerged during a meeting of opposition parties held in Islamabad on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, QWP chief Aftab Ahmed Sherpao said his party and the ANP would wait for the decision of the Supreme Court before demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

During the meeting, it was decided that opposition parties would support the assemblies completing their tenure.

“The people of Pakistan and all opposition members want elections to be held on time and the assemblies to complete their tenure,” said Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah.

Shah also called on the prime minister to fulfill his promise made to the nation and resign from office.

Shah stressed that opposition parties would stand by the Supreme Court with whatever decision it takes regarding Panama Papers case.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Shah Mehmood Qureshi said all opposition members have given their signatures to Shah so he may requisition the assembly session whenever he deems fit.

The PTI leader also said our fight is not with a political party but corrupt elements in the country. "The PML-N is also internally cautioning the premier," he claimed. He reiterated his party's stance that the premier should resign forthwith.

Jamaat-e-Islami head Sirajul Haq said "we want accountability for all as no one should be above the law".

"The opposition has shown today that we all want to preserve democracy in the country," said Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leader Farooq Sattar also addressed the media and reiterated the opposition's decision to support democracy.