People of Pakistan will foil every such long march: Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that it is not wise to celebrate Independence Day as a day of protest as it is the day of realization of dreams and renewal of pledge. He said that Pakistan was not achieved through any long march but it came into being as a result of struggle and sacrifices of the forefathers of the nation. He said that people of Pakistan will foil every such long march as is aimed at hindering the process of development and progress. The Chief Minister said that Imran Khan was a supporter of dialogue with those elements which killed thousands of innocent Pakistanis and were bent upon destroying the country but he is not ready to negotiate with a democratically elected government. It shows a big contradiction between his words and deeds, he added.

He was talking to a delegation of Assembly Members and office-bearers of Pakistan Muslim League-N, here today. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Pakistan needs only such a long march as is aimed at progress and development of the masses, eradication of terrorism and elimination of darkness. He said that enlightened and patriotic people of Pakistan will foil every negative activity which hampers the process of progress and prosperity. He said that Imran Khan rang him and congratulated him on winning the elections but now he is raising hue and cry about rigging. Shahbaz Sharif said that Imran Khan has not been able to prove himself a good politician or a good sportsman. He said that international observers declared general elections of 2013 as the most transparent and fair in the history of Pakistan. He said that there is only one constitutional method of change of government in Pakistan and that is through elections. He said that there is no question of midterm elections. He said in fact Tehrik-e-Insaf leadership wants to hide its worst performance in KPK through protest and long march.

The Chief Minister said that politics means selfless service to the people but those who are talking about long march and so-called revolution have no interest in the solution of people’s problems. He said that even some so-called political leaders have joined hands with these elements as had made Punjab the most corrupt province during dictatorship. Shahbaz Sharif said that track record of the present leadership is witness to the fact that it has always served the masses with commitment and has stood by them in every hour of need and trial. He said that every step within the ambit of law and constitution will be taken for the protection of life and property of the citizens.

The Chief Minister further said that Pakistan is in a state of war and brave forces of the country are achieving successes in the war against terrorism. He said that Pakistan is fighting for its survival and there is the need that the whole nation should support its army at this critical hour.