Derailing of democratic system on October 12, 1999 was an evil conspiracy : Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that derailing of a stable democratic system on October 12, 1999 was an evil conspiracy to disrupt the process of progress and prosperity of Pakistan and the nation is still facing its consequences.

In his message on October 12, the Chief Minister paid rich tributes to the political forces especially Muslim League-N leaders and workers who showed courage and steadfastness during the long dictatorial period of atrocities and oppression. He said that October 12, 1999 was the blackest day in the political history of the country when a dictator toppled the democratically elected government of the country. He said that had democratic process not been sabotaged in various phases of Pakistan’s history, the nation would not have been facing serious issues like terrorism, load shedding, price-hike and unemployment. The Chief Minister said that credit goes to Pakistan Muslim League-N for strictly adhering to its stance in the interest of stability of democracy and democratic institutions. He said that continuity and stability of such a democratic system which is free from corruption, nepotism and loot is essential for solution of the problems of the country. He said that had the development projects started by Nawaz Sharif during his last tenure in communication, health, education and other sectors not been interrupted by the dictatorship of Gen. Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan would have joined the ranks of developed countries.

The Chief Minister further said that on this day the nation salutes those brave and committed people of the country who courageously faced the state oppression during the Musharraf dictatorship and rendered unprecedented sacrifices. He said that on this day the nation will have to pledge that it will uphold the democratic principles and values and utilize all its energies for transforming Pakistan in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal.