Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday he will not resign regardless of the demands being made by the group conspiring against him as the people of Pakistan have elected him.The premier made the remarks while chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet.
Addressing the cabinet members, Sharif termed the joint investigation team (JIT) report a concoction of allegations and stories regarding his family's private businesses.
"Without any hesitation I presented myself and family before the JIT," he stated, adding that his family business predates the entry of any family member in politics.
"My family didn’t earn anything from politics but did lose a lot," he said, adding that despite reservations he accepted the JIT's formation.
Read more: Details of PM's answers to jit's 14 questions
The language used in the JIT report displays malafide intentions, he said, adding that his conscience is clear.
"Those demanding my resignation on false and unwarranted claims should first look at themselves," said Sharif.
The premier said the Pakistan Muslim League-N got more votes than all the parties demanding his resignation, adding that he will not let the country's development become a target of conspiracies.
The members of the meeting agreed that there’s no legitimacy to the demands of the premier's resignation, and expressed their complete support in the prime minister.
Other than the political situation in the country arising following the JIT report's submission to the Supreme Court on Monday, the cabinet members are also expected to discuss projects related to power generation and other economic initiatives of the government.
The 64-point agenda of the meeting also includes discussion on MoUs signed with various countries and approval of the procedure to appoint the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited's managing director.
Read more: Details of PM's answers to jit's 14 questions
On Wednesday, the prime minister presided over an informal consultative meeting where he was briefed by legal and constitutional experts regarding the preparations of the government’s stance on the JIT report, sources told.
The meeting decided to take up the matter of 'baseless, unwanted remarks' against government functionaries in the Supreme Court, asking on what grounds were such comments made [by the JIT], sources added.
JIT report
The political situation in the country became heated after the JIT submitted its final report to the Supreme Court on Monday. The JIT report observed major disparities in the finances of the Sharif family and their known and declared sources of income.
Following the report, the opposition parties demanded that the premier resign. However, the ruling party leaders remarked that they will contest the report in the Supreme Court.
