Former information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has clarified former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remark where he said that he is “proud to be the apple of the establishment’s eye.” She said the comment was sarcastic.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, while talking to a private TV channel, said the outgoing premier made the remark in response to a journalist’s question and had explained later on by asking why he had been jailed during the Musharraf era if he was the establishment’s favorite.
Read more: PM Shehbaz proudly affirms cordial terms with Establishment for 30 years
She went on to say that PM Shehbaz had asked that if he was “the apple of the eye”, then why was he incarcerated in Attock, Adiala, and Kot Lakhpat jails.
“Shehbaz Sharif was jailed during Gen Kayani’s time as well as during Musharraf’s regime. The PM had also said that during Gen Bajwa’s tenure, his daughters were also dragged into NAB courts,” the former minister added.
Shehbaz Sharif’s ‘apple of eye’ comment
Shehbaz Sharif, during a farewell ceremony at the PM House, proudly affirmed his cordial relations with the Establishment. He said that he has been the blue-eyed of the Establishment for 30 years.
Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, the premier responding to queries about his rapport with the establishment said “When was my relationship with the establishment not good?” He further addressed the topic of denying his affiliations with the establishment, asserting, “When have I denied my ties to the establishment?”
The statement went viral on social media as members of the media fraternity commented on it while making speculations. To clarify, in Pakistan, the Establishment has been accused of interfering in political matters.
Outgoing PM Shehbaz Sharif’s statement about being the apple of establishment’s eye for over 30 years – who do you think this message/reminder is for?
Big bro and niece??
Establishment??
Imran Khan??— Shiffa Z. Yousafzai (@Shiffa_ZY) August 12, 2023
Read more: Imran Khan denies being in contact with establishment
Regarding recent legal developments, PM Shehbaz expressed his view that the annulment of the Review of Judgment Act would not have any impact on Nawaz Sharif’s situation.
He went on to say that Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification had concluded after five years and that there were no legal hurdles impeding his return.
“I believe that due to the poor economic condition, our vote bank decreased but we saved the state. There is no obstacle in Nawaz Sharif’s return,” he said.