KARACHI: Jan 8 burial day for dictatorship: Nawaz
The PML chief, who arrived here on Sunday for the first time after his return from eight-year exile in Saudi Arabia, was addressing his supporters and media persons at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Mr Sharif, who visited the mausoleum just two days ahead of the 131st birth anniversary of the founder of the nation, said that Quad-i-Azam had not bargained on the freedom of the nation. He regretted that now the country had been pushed to a stage where an independent judiciary could not be tolerated, restlessness prevailed, nobody was secure, uncertainty and chaos existed, inflation rose and the gap between the poor and rich people widened.
Referring to the law and order situation in the country, he criticised the government policies and said no one from Khyber to Karachi was secure at present. The law of jungle would cease to exist on the day with the reinstatement of deposed judges and restoration of the rights of 160 million people, he said, adding that the PML(N) was striving to build the country for which it was created.
He said: “We will not compromise with anyone and no dictator will be allowed to rule the country. But to attain this objective, every individual has to play his due role. We want to see judiciary independent and we would ensure it,” he added.
Earlier, the former prime minister was cheered with welcome slogans as he reached the mausoleum along with senior party leaders Sardar Abdur Rahim, Mamnoon Hussain, Salim Zia and others. Mr Sharif offered Fateha and laid floral wreath at the mausoleum before addressing the gathering.
However, the party workers and supporters who gathered at the Bab-i-Awam despite the intermittent winter showers were slightly disappointed when the programme’s venue was suddenly changed and the party chief was taken to the VVIP gate of the mausoleum instead of the stage set for his address.
On his arrival at the airport, he was welcomed by party leaders, workers and supporters who had come there in vehicles decorated with party flags and portraits of Mr Sharif.
To accord him a warm welcome, a sizable crowd of party workers and supporters managed to reach the arrival lounge of the Jinnah International Terminal. In this effort, however, some enthusiasts scuffled with the personnel of Airport Security Force who resorted to baton-charge to control the crowd. In the brawl, two large glass screens at the arrival lounge were broken.
Later, the PML(N) chief was taken to another exit gate of the airport to ensure safe passage for him.
Spouse of deposed judge joins PML(N)
Begum Sarmad Jalal Usmani, the wife of senior justice of Sindh High Court who refused to take oath under the Provision Constitution Order, on Sunday evening announced to join the Pakistan Muslim League-N at the conclusion of a press conference addressed by party chief Nawaz Sharif.
She was also joined by eminent social worker Begum Salma Ahmad.
In her brief address, Begum Usmani said that she had decided to join the PML(N) on the behalf of civil society keeping in view the struggle launched by the party for the restoration of the independent judiciary to the pre-emergency position. She said there was complete harmony and peace in the country eight and half years ago. The ongoing incidents of terrorism was the retaliation against the government policies, she added.