PSL final was a match against the enemies of the country : Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore : Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that final match of Pakistan Super League has become successful due to the prayers of mothers, sisters, daughters and elders. He said that the entire nation is thankful to Almighty Allah on successful holding of this mega event. He said undoubtedly this was not a competition of cricket but a match against the enemies of the country. 

He expressed these views while addressing a press conference held in connection with successful holding of final match of PSL. Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman, Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Jehangir Khanzada, Advisor Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary Home, Inspector General Police Punjab and senior officials of Punjab were present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister said that the decision for holding final match of PSL in Lahore was taken with mutual consultation. He said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif encouraged and extended full cooperation with regard to holding this match. Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa and Corps Commander also extended full cooperation for holding this event. He said that we dedicate the success of yesterday’s mega event to those “Shaheeds” and “Ghazies” who laid down their lives for peace in the motherland.

He said that this success is also devoted to those police officers and citizens who embraced martyrdom in recent terrorism. He said that the sacrifices of the martyrs will not go to waste, Pakistan will become a haven of peace and terrorism will be eliminated from the country, he added.

Shahbaz Sharif also thanked foreign guests and players especially Vivian Richard, Darren Sammy and others who proved their friendship by visiting Pakistan. He said that some foreign players frightened due to the wrong statements of some non-serious friends and they do not come to Pakistan.

He said that with the blessings of Allah Almighty, 20 crore people of Pakistan have succeeded. He said that Pakistan has won this match and the enemy defeated. He said that Pakistan has achieved success while its opponents, terrorists and extremists defeated. He said holding of successful match is a clear message for enemies of peace that terrorists and extremists should leave the country otherwise they will be destroyed.

He said that Pakistan will live forever and include in the comity of developed countries. He said that the day is not far when terrorism and extremism will be eliminated completely from the country and it will become Pakistan of Quaid in the real sense.

He said that the entire nation from Peshawar to Karachi displayed complete solidarity and unity in the final match. He said that people came to Lahore from all over the country to see the match, there was “Jashion” everywhere and the whole Pakistan was presenting a picture of dreams of the Quaid.

He said that there were threats however, the efforts of Pak-Army, Rangers, Police, security agencies, Pakistan Cricket Board and other concerned institutions became fruitful and this national event became a success. He also thanked Prime Minister, Army Chief and his friend Interior Minister who provided helicopters for aerial supervision without any request first time in the history of the country.

The Chief Minister also thanked Provincial Ministers, Chief Secretary, Inspector General Police, federal and provincial agencies and all the institutions for making this event successful. He said that officers of army and police and the entire nation displayed unity yesterday and we have to move forward with the same spirit. He said that Punjab team made this match successful along with Pak Army and Rangers. He said that journey of development is successfully continuing under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

He expressed the hope that with the completion of energy projects, darkness of electricity will be removed from the country by the end of 2018. He said that with the blessings of Allah Almighty, final of PSL became successful in Lahore.

Shahbaz Sharif prayed that matches of PSL should be held in Sindh, Balochistan, KPK and Punjab in future so that the entire nation should get an opportunity of participation. The time has come when the country will make progress and prosperity and cruelty, extremism and barbarism will be buried, he added.

Replying to the questions of media representatives, the Chief Minister said it is the result of day and night hard work of all that the way of restoration of international cricket has opened in the country and expressed the hope that hockey, cricket and world competitions of other games will be held here in the coming days.

Replying to a question, Shehbaz Sharif said that he does not believe in jugglery, people also call him Showbaz but he believes in service to the people and will continue to serve them. Answering a question regarding opposition by Imran and Zardari regarding final match, the Chief Minister said that one of them has been a prominent cricketer of the country, has he not given such a statement regarding holding of final match rather he should move ahead for the success of the match and contact his friends to come Pakistan and play here.

In reply to a question regarding expansion of Qaddafi Stadium, he said that negotiations have been held with PCB Chairman Najam Sethi in this regard and said that Punjab government is ready to provide land for setting up of new stadium. Replying to a question regarding Radd-ul-Fasaad Operation, he said that national solidarity displayed by the nation on final match of PSL was unprecedented. He said that the whole nation supports Radd-ul-Fasaad Operation for eliminating terrorism and this operation is being conducted without any discrimination of color, creed and cast.

Answering another question, Shahbaz Sharif said that he is not habitual of u-turn, he is ready for Basant however, it is necessary to eradicate metal and chemical string. He said that Jashan-e-Baharan celebrations would also be move forward. He said that the opponents of Pakistan will have to be ruined and the enemies of peace buried to usher in an era of peace and prosperity in Pakistan. He said that when the situation will become normal, all will be set right, the nation will move forward and achieve successes.