Chaudhry denies digging a tunnel

We don’t’ belong to the category of the ‘Ashraafia’ — the trumpeted elite class of the country that amassed ill-gotten wealth through different methods including tax evasion and writing off of loans — and it is wrong to say that we are digging tunnel to the throne by hatching conspiracies. In fact, my party and its leadership don’t need to go for such options because the people in power may suffer setback as a natural sequel to their own misdoings.

This was stated by PML-Q leader Ch. Parvez Ellahi while talking to The News and answering questions raised on Chaudhry’s performance and overall conduct against the backdrop of his five-year stay in power when the then CM- and subsequently Deputy PM- wielded sufficient authority in Punjab and launched many public sector projects.

The former CM was asked that there was a time that some of his detractors had been criticizing Chaudhry brothers for getting loans written off. Parvez replied, “Right from our elders’ time till our times, all our businesses, whatever, were run totally transparently and without under-the-table deals. My entire family’s mission is serving the masses selflessly without taking into consideration any personal gains. The conduct of our elder, Ch. Zahoor Ellahi as well as of Ch. Shujaat Hussain, is also before you. We serve more and expect less in return. Have you ever heard of our non-transparent deals in any national or international media or Leaks?”

Replying to a question as to how does he compare his style of governance with that of his successor, Chaudhry Parvez said, “Governance is all about cool and calm calculation and planning, trusting the officialdom and devolving powers on the functionaries by devising a system”. He continued, “There is no room for stubbornness and aggression in a sensitive business like governance. The style of our rivals is ‘Naak ko seedhay tareeqay say nahi pakarrna bulkay hur kaam ultay tareeqay say karna hai’ (‘not doing things in a straight way but by adopting tricky and complex routes’)”.

So are you ready to face any type of accountability if at any stage you are asked to do so, the former CM was asked. “Yes, we are ready to face any inquiry or any process of accountability as our hands are clean”.

At this juncture, Chaudhry pointed out at the times when he was in power and said, “During our times, people were very happy and satisfied. If public satisfaction could be measured through any index, our tenure will show the highest satisfaction index ever achieved by any government.”

What can be the possible outcome of Panama Leaks or the inquiry likely to be conducted? Answering this question, Ch. Parvez Ellahi said, “Panama Leaks or any other leaks of the near or far future may reach some conclusion or not, this is not the question. The fact is that what is done at any level, by anyone is recorded and registered somewhere which can come to the fore any day. Facts just can’t be hidden for long especially in an era of advanced information technology and scientifically established data systems.