Ahsan Iqbal rebuts Imran Khan's claim of establishment's role in CEC's appointment

• There are merits and demerits of coalition government, says Ahsan Iqbal.
• If an institution works independently, Imran Khan takes it as his enemy, says federal minister.
• During current political scenario, Nawaz Sharif’s narrative has won, says PML-N leader.

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Federal minister for planning Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday rebutted ex-prime minister Imran Khan’s claim of the establishment’s role in the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, saying his name was given by then ruling party PTI.

A day earlier, former prime minister and PTI chairman Imran Khan said a deadlock emerged between the then opposition and government on the appointment of the chief election commissioner.

In light of the situation, the establishment suggested Sultan's name, he said, adding that the CEC should be appointed through an independent body.

Responding to ex-prime minister Imran khan’s claim on Geo News programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal said CEC Sultan Raja’s name was included in the panel given by PTI and the ex-government had praised him [CEC] much at that time.

“If any of the institution or person works independently, Imran Khan takes him as his enemy,” said Ahsan Iqbal, adding that, “Imran Khan wants institutions to remain faithful only to him.”

Referring to the reports of dissensions among parties of a coalition government, Ahsan Iqbal turned down the rumours and said they [allies] know that the masses were expecting much from them.

“If anyone from ruling alliance tries to damage the coalition government, will have to face consequences politically,” he said.

The federal minister went on to say that, there are merits and demerits of the coalition government, however, this government will complete its agenda successfully.

PML-N leader further stated that during the current political scenario, party supremo Nawaz Sharif’s narrative had won.

“Our narrative was to make the country’s institutions neutral, this institution should not be the property of one political party,” he added.

“In the past, if some of the institutions had interfered in politics and if they have taken a neutral stance now, this is a victory of the PML-N’s narrative, he said.

Reacting to ex-prime minister Imran Khan’s statement in which he had questioned the judiciary opening the courts at midnight, Ahsan Iqbal said Imran should know that he had violated the constitution and the Supreme Court is the guardian of the constitution.