Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif speaking at a meeting. — File photo

LAHORE, Jan 6: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif says the nation is fully aware of negative designs of the ‘imported political jugglers’ who have got nationalities of other countries but have suddenly appeared in Pakistan with an ‘imported agenda’ to derail its democratic system.

He, however, hoped the masses would not allow negative tactics of such elements to succeed. He demanded those raising slogans of change and revolution in the country first reform themselves.

The CM was talking to MPAs from various districts on Sunday. He said the nation was still reeling under the shocks by “Zar Baba and Forty Thieves” when jugglers enjoying a luxurious life in foreign countries had imposed themselves on the people.

He said the 180 million people of Pakistan wanted to know how those leading a peaceful life abroad suddenly thought of this country. He said when the country was facing natural calamities like floods and dengue those raising slogans of revolution were relaxing abroad.

Shahbaz said the masses wanted to get rid of the corrupt mafia as well as political jugglers and would not allow anyone to derail the democratic system. He said holding of elections on time was essential for solidarity and survival of the country and no delay would be tolerated in this regard.

AWP: Awami Workers Party Punjab President Ayub Malik urged on Sunday the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to stop the ruling party from using gas connections as a vote winning tool.

In a statement issued here, he said the ruling party was giving gas connections in Chakwal villages to win support of people for the upcoming elections which was unconstitutional.

Mr Malik intends to contest the general election to a National Assembly seat from Chakwal.

He said the prime minister had in a recent public meeting in Chakwal announced a Rs1 billion project for providing gas to the area people. The public meeting was also arranged by the gas company, he alleged.

He said the ruling party was openly violating the election rules by resorting to such actions.

The chief election commission must take notice of it, stop the ruling party from doing so and disqualify those responsible, he said.

Mr Malik quoted Article 281 (3) of the Constitution under which, he said, the Supreme Court had already directed the election commission to provide a level playing field to all candidates to the elections.