Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday stepped up criticism of his opponents and the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) by saying that "no one will accept accountability led by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)." Addressing a public gathering after the inauguration of the Lowari Tunnel in Upper Dir, the Prime Minister said his patience must not be tested anymore as he held his dignity dearest to him. He maintained that this "drama" should conclude now.

Nawaz Sharif said, "I want to tell the JIT, PTI and others that no one will accept accountability from you. This is not accountability but exploitation. I can guarantee you that no one in Pakistan will accept this." The premier also hit out at the JIT members, saying they act "as if they are 'Sadiq' and 'Amin' like angels." "There is no stigma of corruption on us. This drama should stop. Do not test my patience anymore," Sharif warned. Nawaz Sharif said the nation had rejected those who staged sit-ins and "they" would meet the same fate in 2018 general elections as well. The Prime Minister said that those who chanted "Naya Pakistan" delivered nothing and added," they could not even make a "Naya Khyber Pakhtunkhwa".

The 'circus of sit-ins' began as soon as he came to power, said the premier. "They attacked the PTV building, the PM House and Parliament". "They wake up every morning and beg for my resignation. They should be ashamed of themselves," he said. "They even rejected you in the Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir polls as well as the local government polls and by-elections," said Sharif.

The prime minister vowed to bring Chitral at par with Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. "All these years Chitral was cut off from the rest of Pakistan. Now it will take only two hours to reach Chitral from Dir," he said. Lowari Tunnel, a project connecting Dir with Chitral, is aimed at enhancing economic growth and employment opportunities in the region. The premier reached Upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Thursday afternoon to inaugurate the tunnel. He was accompanied by KP Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, adviser Amir Muqam, PML-N leader Pir Sabir Shah and aviation adviser Mehtab Abbasi.

Lowari Tunnel, which comprises two tunnels (8.5 kilometres and 1.9 kilometres), access roads and 12 bridges (35km), is located on Nowshera-Mardan-Malakand-Chakdara-Chitral National Highway (N-45). In a press release, the government stated that the tunnel is a gift to the local population. The project seeks to enhance economic growth through accelerated trade activity, generate employment opportunities for the locals, promote tourism and reduce travel time for passengers. Prior to its construction, the area remained cut off from rest of the country, especially during the winter season.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017