PDM leaders blame govt for "bad governance", say it is time to change country's fate

(Karachi) The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) leaders, an alliance of opposition parties, have blamed the government for rising inflation and "bad governance". They said the days of the PTI-led government are numbered and it is now time to change fate of the country.

Addressing a public gathering in Quetta via video link from London on Sunday, former premier Nawaz Sharif lambasted the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government, saying the enthusiasm shown by the people in PDM's public gatherings in Gujranwala, Karachi and now Quetta shows that no one will be able to violate the respect of the vote.

Nawaz said: "I am aware of Baloch people's problems.I know the missing persons issue is still there. I feel pain when I see the victims."

The PML-N supremo said that he has been disqualified over a minor charge. "I am not liked by some quarters because I am the "elected representative of the people".

Regarding arrest of his son-in-law Captain (r) Mohammad Safdar, Nawaz said that it is a condemnable act by police officials who barged into the room and violated the privacy of his daughter Maryam Nawaz and her husband.

"Such things prove my point that there is a state above the state," Nawaz said. He asked, "On whose order is the privacy of people violated and doors broken down?"

The former premier again went on to censure the incumbent government citing inflation. "I know that the current government's ineptness and anti-people policies have made it difficult for a common man to afford two meals," he said. "I have heard that sugar is being sold at Rs110 per kg, and flour at Rs70 or more per kg," Sharif went on to add.

Govt's days are numbered

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz has blamed the government of victimizing the opposition, saying there is one law for the opposition parties while a different one for those in power.

She stated that the days of the present government are numbered and soon the nation will get rid of it. "The selected and selectors will have to go at all costs," she remarked.

The PML-N vice-president also lamented over the non-provision of scholarships to the students of Balochistan. "The students of Balochistan and Punjab are close to my heart."

"I love the people of Balochistan more than the people of Punjab," she said, speaking of her intentions behind donning a traditional Balochi dress. She said the people of Balochistan have the right to choose their leaders.

She said that the time has come to change the fate of Pakistan and Balochistan. "No longer will husbands and brothers go missing, people of Balochistan."

Maryam also condemned the blasphemous incident in France and said that the sentiments of Pakistanis are hurt.

Opposition's alliance will not break

Bilawal Bhutto said that his party will not part ways with the opposition alliance, PDM come what may, adding that those who are conspiring against it will only face disappointment in this connection.

“Those who are dreaming of breaking the opposition alliance will never succeed… we are not among those who back down from their stance,” he said while addressing a PDM rally via video link from Gilgit-Baltistan.

He said people of Balochistan despite having abundance of natural resources including gas and gold mines living in a miserable condition.

“People of Balochistan are brave and they know how to get their rights. What kind of democracy is this where no one including judiciary, media and people are not free.”

Bilawal said people all across the country wanted freedom from poverty, unemployment and are demanding to restore the genuine democracy in the country.

Masses reject govt

Former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf declared that the government, which had been selected has now been rejected by the masses.

He criticised the media for "spreading false propaganda" about reasons behind PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's absence from today's rally.

Balochistan neglected

Balochistan National Party President Sardar Akhtar Mengal, while addressing the crowd, said that despite the fact the province had always held up democratic ideals, it was given little in return. He said the families of missing persons have been waiting for their loved ones for 10 years.

He said that the Baloch people would never abandon the country and defend its borders just like the nation. He regretted that while CPEC projects had led to development in other parts of the country, residents of Gwadar still don't have access to drinking water.

Govt afraid of Opposition's rallies

Qaumi Watan Party Chairperson Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao criticized the PTI-led government over its inefficiency and damage it has caused to the country.

He said, "The government is afraid of opposition's rallies. They registered cases of treason against PML-N leaders after the rally in Gujranwala. He added that the Centre was so scared that it kidnapped Sindh IGP for signatures.

He stated that all policies of the government have failed while inflation has made lives of people miserable.

Govt has betrayed people of Balochistan

Awami National Party (ANP's) acting president Ameer Haider Khan Hoti said that the government had betrayed the people of Balochistan and their respresentative, Sardar Akhtar Mengal.

"Pashtuns and Balochis should unite to fight for their rights," he said. "The voice that has risen in Punjab and all over Pakistan [should be heard] and its case should be fought," he added.

Hoti said that the locals of Balochistan had the "first right" on Gwadar before everyone else, adding that he felt happy if the entire country reaped benefits due to the port city. Meanwhile, the Balochistan government has placed a ban on pillion riding in Quetta in wake of PDM's rally. The ban came into effect midnight (Saturday) and remain in place for 24 hours.

Foolproof security

Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani on Sunday said that foolproof security arrangements have been made by the provincial government for the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) public gathering.

Addressing a press conference in Quetta, Liaquat Shahwani said bomb-proof vehicles have been provided to the PDM leadership and roads going to the hotels, where the leadership is residing are cordoned-off.

“Balochistan government has taken NACTA’s alert seriously.” He said that parking for the vehicles of the people coming to Jalsa has been kept at some distance to the stadium.

Earlier, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) issued warning that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) could target the country’s political and religious leadership in Peshawar and Quetta.

A letter written to security agencies stated, "Reportedly, the terrorist plan includes assassination of high-profile political personalities through a well-articulated bomb/blast suicide bombing in near future.”

NACTA stated that security forces also recovered explosive devices in its raid in Balochistan’s Zhob area and it believes that the explosive material “was most likely destined for Quetta and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa”.