Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shahbaz Sharif Friday announced PML-N's 'complete support' for JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's 'Azadi March', saying in the massive rally to be held in Islamabad on October 31, the joint opposition will present a list of demands. "From Karachi to Peshawar, the whole nation is in agreement that the current government should go home as soon as possible and fresh elections should take place," Shahbaz said while talking to media, after his meeting with JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, here at Model Town today.
The PML-N President read out his statement but did not receive any query from media and left the venue. It may be noted that Nawaz in the letter to the PML-N President reiterated his support to the JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his march in Islamabad." When the country's honour and its self-respect is at stake, we must stand up and defend our rights," read the letter. The PML-N had already shared this letter with the JUI-F leadership.
During the meeting, both the leaders discussed plan regarding Azadi March and sit-in in Islamabad. They also deliberated on the facilities for the protesters, sources said, adding: "The PML-N President enquired from Maulana Fazl about the programme of March but he could not provide complete programme." However, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said he will announce the next plan of action himself after reaching Islamabad," the sources said.
The sources claimed that the PML-N and JUI-F leadership were in agreement for ouster of the PTI government and fresh general elections in the country to steer it out from prevailing crisis. The sources added that both the leaders shared views on roadmap given by the former premier in a letter to Shahbaz Sharif. The sources claimed that the duo appears unclear about sit-in plan in Islamabad and there is likelihood of a rally on October 31 in Islamabad.
Talking to media, Shahbaz Sharif said that the incumbent government has badly failed to deliver and the opposition demands will be presented during a rally on October 31. He said that inflation is rising in the country and the general public is worried about expensive medicines, while the businesses have shutdown across the country. "Whatever is happening today is a proof of government's failure," he said, adding: "The government should be sent packing and new elections should be held."
The PML-N President maintained that despite the support that Imran Khan enjoys, he has failed to deliver and is placing the burden of his failures on the shoulders of our institutions. "If the previous governments had received just 25-percent of the 'support' that he (Imran) enjoys then Pakistan would have been soaring high in the skies of progress," he said.
"I have the utmost respect for Maulana; we have received instructions for the Azadi March from Mian Nawaz in a letter. On October 31, we will ensure our full participation in the march and we will be there in Islamabad to welcome him. We will hold a massive rally to voice our demands and will decide on the next course of action then," Shahbaz said, adding: "It is not just him (Fazlur Rehman) but the whole of Pakistan is in agreement with that under the selected government and selected prime minister, the country is witnessing the worst performance in all fields."
Shahbaz Sharif rejected the oft-repeated mantra by the sitting government that the economy was left in dire-straights by the PML-N government. "The economy was in a very healthy state when the PTI government came into power," he said, adding: "If the PML-N and the opposition are given the chance to serve the nation, I promise we will have the economy up and running within six months."
JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said on the occasion that his party has decided to enter into Islamabad on October 31 so that nearby caravans and far away caravans can both enter as one. He said, "I thank all political parties for expressing their complete support for participation in this march. Certainly, when the entire nation enters Islamabad, we will proceed in complete consultation with all opposition parties. All future decisions will be made in joint consultation between the parties."
Maulana reiterated his party's stance of the incumbent government being 'illegally appointed' and 'incompetent'. "Criticism, verbal abuse, negotiations and seriousness can never exist together," he said, adding: "If the government is serious, it should hand in a resignation first and then we can hold talks on future action. Holding talks before handing in a resignation, in our eyes, holds no meaning," Maulana said.
After meeting with the PML-N President, Maulana Fazlur Rehman met Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leaders Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervez Elahi at their Gulberg residence and discussed political and other matters of mutual interest. Sources claimed that Maulana expressed good wishes for Shujaat over recovery of his health issue. Shujaat, the sources added, advised Maulana to play sensibly and avoid any confrontation at this critical juncture.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019
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