Nawaz responds to CJP Nisar's remarks on Punjab govt performance

ISLAMABAD: Ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday responded to an observation of Chief Justice Saqib Nisar in which the top judge had termed the 'Punjab government performance as worse'.

Talking to journalists outside accountability courts, where he had come to appear in corruption references, the PML-N Quaid said that comments on the performance of provincial government were beyond his comprehension and likened it to becoming a party to which he said is unacceptable.

While responding to a question, Nawaz feared for a level playing field in the forthcoming elections for his party and demanded equal opportunities for everyone in the polls.

Whatever happened in Senate elections, it contradicted Chief Justice's remarks that he would ensure free and fair elections, Nawaz said, adding that if he doesn't believe in judicial martial law then it must be seen through his actions.

Unfortunately, the CJP speaks the same language as our rivals Imran and Zardari do, stated Nawaz.

On Saturday, the Punjab government came under fire in the Supreme Court for deteriorating health facilities in the province.

Health Minister Khwaja Salman Rafique, however, pleaded with the court for support to improve the performance of his ministry. During the hearing, the minister said: “He is son of a loyal father.” To it, the CJP said he was a big name and he never wished for what was taking place now.

He said the government needed the support and guidance of the court. At this, the CJP remarked: “Should they visit the Services Hospital to see what is happening there?” The minister replied in affirmative, saying they are ready to join him.

The CJP came down hard on the poor conditions of hospitals, observing that: “what has been done for the health sector during the last ten years?” He also took notice of appointment of Dr Zafar Hussain Tanvir as vice chancellor of Nishter Medical University, Multan, who, he pointed out, did not have a valid PhD degree.

The CJP directed Punjab Health Secretary Najam Shah to come up with detailed reply about his appointment and profile, with directives to Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Saeed to submit record of all search committees formed to appoint heads of the universities in the province.

The bench also asked the Punjab Healthcare Commission about action against quacks in the province. He also showed the health minister a picture on his mobile phone wherein a man was operating a woman at his home in darkness. “Quacks are killing people and you are here claiming about your performance,” the CJP snubbed the minister after showing him the picture. The CJP expressed dismay over the failure of the Health Department for not establishing new hospitals and not improving the functioning of the old ones.