Riaz demands Shahbaz resignation

LAHORE: Opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Raja Riaz Ahmed on Friday demanded immediate resignation of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for his utter failure to control dengue virus in the Punjab capital.

Shahbaz Sharif owing to whose irresponsible attitude dozens of innocent citizens perished, has no right to stay in power any more," he told APP at his chamber.

He alleged that the government had so far taken no concrete steps to check the spread of lethal disease.

"Had the government taken preventive measures against the dengue virus, the epidemic could not have been affect a number of people," he questioned.

To a question, the opposition leader said that no doubt dengue was a threat and they were equally concerned on the situation arising out of dengue deaths.

He said, opposition wanted to play its role but the chief minister didnot allow.

He said, the federal government had set up special centre for dengue patients at Shaikh Zayed hospital and at the same time offering Punjab government its all out help towards this end.

Expressing his regret over absence of health minister, Raja Riaz said Shahbaz Sharif believed in establishing single man rule.

He stressed the need for appointing health minister at the earliest.

Raja Riaz said, that PPP leadership was strictly adhered to policy of reconciliation that was why they faced multiple challenges but despite all these challenges they steered the country out of crises.

He said, MQM would soon turn to the government folds. "Understanding and better working relationship between PPP and MQM can guarantee peace in Karachi," he added.

About next elections, Raja Riaz said, PPP with the help of like-minded parties would win the upcoming polls with a simple majority.

He advised the PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif that instead of criticising the government policies should step forward with concrete proposals so that these could be implemented in the best interest of the country.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011