Prime Minister Imran Khan told lawmakers of his party at a meeting on Monday he was aware that opposition parties were contacting them ahead of the Senate election, but they should vote according to the voice of their conscience. 

According to sources, the prime minister asked: “What is the difference between you and them (reference to corrupt leaders of opposition parties) if you choose thieves and looters [to vote in the Senate election].” 

Khan welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on the government plea for Senate election through open vote. He said that identification of ballot paper would help eliminate horse-trading from the Senate election. Responding to reports that Pakistan People’s Party’s candidate in the Senate election Yusuf Raza Gilani has asked the prime minister to vote for him, Khan said now the opposition wanted him to given them an NRO in the form of vote. He said he would not surrender to opposition’s pressure in any case. 

The prime minister said he was aware of price hike and rising inflation, but the government would overcome these issues. He also said the government would complete development schemes of parliamentarians on a priority basis.