Says she change her decision to quit following PM’s instructions
Amraiz Khan
Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister (SACM) on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Monday said that she has decided to resign from his post to play an effective role in the electioneering for by-election to Sialkot PP-38 but Prime Minister Imran Khan stopped her from quitting. “The Prime Minister instructed me to continue with my current assignment as a special assistant and work with more diligence.”
Addressing a press conference at DGPR here on Monday, SACM Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan pointed out that though she had made up mind to quit her assignment and play a more vigorous role in the by-elections, she is bound to follow any decision by the leadership.
Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that machinations of the opposition have come to the fore in the Azad Kashmir general elections and Sialkot by-polls.
“Once again, Maryam Safdar has attacked national security institutions merely for petty political gains”, she regretted and added that despite being in power for several times, the PML-N could not come up with a clear roadmap and action plan on the Kashmir issue.
“A single public meeting of Prime Minister Imran Khan has erased all joys of PML-N n the AJK”, the SACM said. She emphasised that on the one hand, there is a true lawyer fighting the case of Kashmiris with the entire world while on the other side is a royal family struggling for protection of the plundered public money.
“Kashmiris have tried both the parties time and again and never trust them no more in view o their betrayal and massive corruption.” Dr Firdous pointed out that the PML-N is repeating the story of stealing votes well before the elections, which reflects the party fear of defeat.
The SACM said that the patient who had gone for medicine has not returned yet and is sitting in the palaces, looking after property of his children.
Talking about her decision to resign, she informed that as by-polls to PP-38 and election to LA-36 Azad Kashmir are being held in her constituency.
“Both these elections are taking place in my constituency and notices are being sent to me by the Election Commission in response to which I have been appearing in person and also through my lawyer that I should be allowed to run the election campaign in full force”, she explained.
The SACM was of the view that now it depends on the party leadership to decide on a clear line of action for her. “I want to win this election by smashing all the idols of the N-League”, she declared and added that it is going to end with the PTI victory both in Sialkot and the AJK.
“The election campaign is going to turn into big rallies and will end with the victory of PTI. I do not want the Election Commission to follow me every day and give the impression that the government is trampling on the laws. It’s my desire, let see what’s come up”, she expressed.
Earlier on Monday, a private TV reported that Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan has decided to call it a day. The TV quoting sources said that the special assistant to CM will resign from her post as she wants to take part in the Sialkot by-election in PP-38.
The PP-38 seat fell vacant after the demise of PML-N MPA Khush Akhtar Subhani. The by-poll is scheduled to be held on July 28.
The PTI awarded ticket to Ahsan Saleem Baryar who is the son of PML-Q Punjab senior vice president Saleem Baryar.
Ms Awan had handed over the PTI ticket to Mr Ahsan Baryar last month. The PML-N has fielded Tariq Subhani, the younger brother of deceased MPA Khush Akhtar Subhani. A total of 18 candidates are contesting in the polls.
