Maryam disrespects judiciary on daily basis, says Imran Khan

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan said on Thursday that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Maryam Nawaz disrespects the judiciary on a daily basis.

The PTI chairman was addressing a joint press conference along with Pakistan Awami League Chief Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri.

Imran claimed that Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, is behaving like a deputy prime minister in the run-up to the by-polls in the NA-120 constituency. 

Earlier in the day, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had issued bailable arrest warrants of Imran. Reacting to this, Imran remarked "ECP does not have the authority to issue arrest warrants. Our case is being heard by Islamabad High Court."

He further remarked that the ECP has never heard a contempt of court case before his. "The ECP is working on PML-N's behest."

"Since we filed the Panama papers case petition, so many cases have been filed against us," said Imran, adding "some cases were even heard by the Supreme Court."

"ECP is only responsible for ensuring that the elections are transparent. If we have to, then we will even go to the Supreme Court regarding this biased behaviour of the ECP," Imran added. 

Referring to PML-N's claims that the former premier was disqualified due to iqama, Qadri said that “you were disqualified for your dishonesty. You were disqualified because you concealed facts and forged official documents.”

Speaking about the upcoming NA-120 by-election, he said that the nation has to make a decision if it wants to see a powerful judiciary or not.

 “Nawaz doesn’t even consider his voters as humans. The so-called development projects all revolve around his corruption,” he added.  

"On September 17, please decide if you are supporting the law or dacoits and country's looters," Qadri added. 

Earlier, Imran Khan had said that the NA-120 by-election will decide Pakistan's future. 

"On September 17, you have to show that you stand with the judiciary. Exercise your right to vote in favour of the law," said Imran and also added that the people's vote will empower the judges.

PTI had held a massive show of power ahead of NA-120 by-poll in Lahore, where PTI's Yasmin Rashid will go head-to-head with PML-N's Kulsoom Nawaz, the wife of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

NA-120 by-poll

The NA-120 seat fell vacant after the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif as prime minister as a result of the Supreme Court verdict in the Panama Papers case on July 28.

A tough contest is expected between PTI candidate Yasmin Rashid and Nawaz's wife and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)'s Kulsoom Nawaz on September 17. 

In light of the former first lady's ongoing medical treatment in London, her daughter Maryam is spearheading the campaign in the constituency.