Ulema and Mushaikh and their millions of followers across the country pledged on Sunday not to vote for PML-N candidates in the 2018 general elections. This 'pledge' was obtained by revered octogenarian Pir Khawaja Hameeduddin Sialvi while addressing an emotionally charged massive Khatm-e-Nabuwat conference at Sheranwala Bagh in Gujranwala yesterday. "Promise me that you won't vote for PML-N under any circumstances or pressure in the next general elections," he added.
He demanded that either Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif or law minister Rana Sanaullah should resign by December 31 to settle the issue of a highly controversial statement of Rana Sanaullah. Pir Sialvi asserted that he would not budge and have the demand met even if he has to offer sacrifice of his life. He warned the leaders of ruling PML-N not to play with the sentiments of the people or else 'fire would reach the parliament'. He also claimed to receive the first bullet if the country is harmed.
Pir Sialvi complained the PML-N government has thrice broken its pledged in a matter of month. "If Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif cannot get resignation of their servant (Rana Sanaullah) then how they would conduct affairs of the country," he wondered.
He further said Hamza Shehbaz, MNA, had asked him to postpone the rally however, he challenged him to stop the rally if the government can. Pir Saheb said no force could take down a united body of Ulema and Mushaikh and Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan stands firm in defence of Khatm-e-Nabuwat (finality of prophethood)
Addressing the conference, Sahibzada Hamid Raza said that the matter will go beyond the resignation of Rana Sanaullah "as we will march towards Lahore on 4th January if our demands are not met". Earlier, Makhdoom Arshad Qamar Garwah, the PML-N Ulema and Mashaikh Wing president, announced that he was parting ways with the party.
The conference was attended by Sajjada Nasheen (caretakers) of various eminent shrines across the province who pledged their support to the Pir of Sial Sharif and his campaign. A large number of people from across the country reached the rally spot to participate in the conference. Banners, panaflexes and posters have been displayed in the city. The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member National Assembly (MNA) Nisar Jutt and Member Punjab Assembly (MPA) Raza Nasrullah Ghumman have already resigned from their posts.