Daily Times

In a passionate address to a gathering in Lahore on Sunday, former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, reaffirmed his party’s commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s national interests.

Nawaz Sharif expressed his disappointment at not being allowed to complete his government’s term whenever the PML-N came to power. Speaking to the crowd via telephone, Nawaz Sharif stressed Pakistan’s achievement of becoming the world’s seventh nuclear power on May 28. He shared his desire for Pakistan to also become the world’s seventh economic power. Stressing that the PML-N harbors no aggressive intentions towards any nation, Nawaz Sharif spoke of divine guidance in making the right decisions during challenging times.

Expressing concern over the actions of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he remarked, “I don’t know what these people (PTI) are doing; they spoil the country while laughing.”

“The people of Pakistan will continue to hate May 9 and love May 28 as there is a stark distinction between these two events,” the three-time prime minister said. He then proceeded to highlight his own accomplishments, asking the crowd,
“Who has ended terrorism, unrest, and load shedding in the country?” He contrasted his tenure, during which petrol prices
were 60 rupees per liter, with the current price of 270 rupees per liter. PML-N chief slammed PTI for allegedly stoking
hatred and misleading the people, which, according to him, has set the country back by many years.

Referring to the violent protests of PTI on May 9, during which military installations were attacked, former PM stated, “Allah has not blessed the nation with this country for a dark day like May 9 but for a bright day like May 28 (Youm-e-Takbeer).”

He further reiterated his dedication to serving Pakistan with sincerity and love, lamenting that he had been deprived of furthering the country’s progress on three occasions.

Meanwhile, PML-N Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz said that the unwavering commitment and dedication of Nawaz Sharif towards the nation made the country’s defence more stronger by making atomic explosions on May 28, 1998.

Addressing a public gathering organised by the PML-N to celebrate 25th Youm-e-Takbeer, Maryam Nawaz paid glowing tributes to the political leadership, scientists and armed forces for playing role for making the country’s defence undeterred. She said that the then leadership led by Nawaz Sharif took daring step to give a befitting response to India’s atomic explosions. She added that then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif refused to take any pressure by international forces including billions of US dollars offer to stop the atomic explosions. Maryam Nawaz said that whenever Nawaz Sharif was given a chance to serve the nation, he took the country towards progress and prosperity as he launched various mega projects including Motorways, Metro bus, Orange Line Metro Train. Load-shedding was eliminated through generation of more than upto 12,000 megawatt electricity while peace was restored in Karachi.

She said that only PML-N workers and leaders remain steadfast and loyal with the party despite the worst victimisation during the PTI rule. PTI leadership invoked its followers towards chaos and put the entire country on fire on May 9 whereas the PML-N leadership made the country prosper with strong defence, she mentioned.

The PTI chief first made fake stance of foreign conspiracy against them and now they were seeking help from the same country which showed their dual faces, she said and regretted that PTI leadership prepared its workers and followers for creating chaos in the country under a plan. Later, an audio message of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was played at the end of the ceremony in which he felicitated the whole nation on 25 years of atomic explosions. He said that the then government refused international pressure and made atomic explosions. He said the country was progressing under his rule but the process of development was stopped by ousting him from government three times. Former premier said that prevailing challenges were resolved by the PML-N leadership whenever it was given a chance to serve. He added those who push the country backward were getting exposed before the nation due to their political decisions. National anthem and songs were also played to celebrate the Youm-e-Takbeer. A large number of party workers and leaders participated in the gathering.