Only transparent elections can save Pakistan's economy: Shehbaz Sharif

Lahore [Pakistan], July 12 (ANI): Citing examples of the economic growth of India and Bangladesh, Pakistan Muslim League-N President Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday criticised the Election Commission of Pakistan for being a puppet in the hands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and said that only "free and fair" general elections can save the economy of the nation, which is "standing on the verge of a disaster."

"We together need to decide whether we want to develop Pakistan or finish it. The economy of Pakistan is standing on the verge of a disaster. The stock exchange is dipping down like anything. Our foreign change reserves are left for only a month of imports," Sharif said at a press conference here.

"India has left us behind. Bangladesh, which we considered an unimportant baggage, has left has behind today. Look at Sri Lanka, Singapore, China all of them have moved ahead. Still if we are not prepared to learn a lesson, then only god can help us," he added.

Sharif further stated that it is a matter of insult for Pakistan when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends G20 Summit, while we here sit and watch him speak.

"I have seen courage in the (Pakistani) community even today. They believe in making Pakistan better and leave India behind in textile, education, health, innovation and research. I feel insulted when India goes to G20 Summit. How does India manage this? (Prime Minister) Modi goes and attends such meets and Pakistan watches the entire thing as a spectator. This is not Iqbal's Pakistan. Let's convert this opportunity into making this as Iqbal's Pakistan. That will only happen through free and fair elections, through transparent elections," he said.

While talking about the arrests of his party workers in Pakistan's Punjab, Sharif said: "The Election Commission of Pakistan has become a puppet. It's mum over whatever is happening. I want to urge the Election Commission to immediately give relieving order of these workers and cancel their detention order. Is there any logic behind detaining them for 30 days?" (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI