–Former first daughter says Imran, Zardari in cahoots for personal interests
–Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif ruling party restored peace in Swat which led to Malala’s return
–Claims PML-N will form government in Centre, province owing to its overall performance
SWAT: Days after Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s statement that the Sharif family won’t get justice from the courts, PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz lashed out at their political rivals and judiciary saying that the decisions taken in revenge should not be expected to be accepted.
Addressing a public rally in Swat, the former first daughter, Maryam Nawaz, pointed out prejudice in the judicial conduct, saying that the ‘institutions’ only pressurised them [Sharifs] but were not working to bring former dictator Pervez Musharraf back.
“Pervez Musharraf violated the Constitution and imposed emergency, which also disgraced the sanctity of the vote,” she said.
Maryam said that PML-N votes were ‘mocked’ during the Senate elections. She added that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and its chief Imran Khan, who has been criticising Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Asif Ali Zardari, voted for him in the end.
“Imran and Zardari have not united to safeguard public agenda, but for personal interests,” she said, adding that Imran Khan is hoodwinking the public.
She also said that when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was surrounded by issues such as floods and dengue outbreak, Imran was nowhere to be seen. Maryam claimed that conspiracies were being hatched against the vote, adding that Imran and KP ministers were being used as pawns.
The PML-N heir apparent further said, “People say that Nawaz’s narrative has gained popularity,” adding that the former prime minister’s narrative was based on truth and against injustice.
Later, addressing the rally, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif said that the ruling government restored peace in Swat, which eventually led to Malala Yousafzai’s return to her abode.
PML-N’s lifetime Quaid and disqualified prime minister Nawaz Sharif said that the people of Swat were very brave for having fought terrorism in the area. “You people had to leave your homes in the past, but who managed to bring you back?” Nawaz asked the people.
“We managed to bring you back to your homes, just like we brought peace back to Karachi. These were the things your elected leader was supposed to do for you, however, he did not,” he said in a reference to PTI chief Imran Khan, whose party leads the governments in KP.
“Malala has come back to Pakistan because of the peace that has returned to your area. Tell me, do I lie when I say that we have brought peace back to Swat?” he said.
“O people of Swat, do not make the same mistake again, do not elect a leader who does not care for you,” Nawaz said during his speech. He added, “I know that the people of Swat will make a different decision this time around, they will choose leaders who care about them and their problems.”
In his address, Nawaz while calling Imran Khan ‘Ilzam Khan’, claimed that the PTI chief will be ousted from KP. He said that Imran’s government did nothing in the province.
“Has any school changed here? No new schools have been constructed here,” said the former prime minister.
“If anyone has filled their pockets with your money, then Amir Muqam is about to come here and retrieve your money,” said Nawaz. The former prime minister alleged that the PTI chairman has usurped the money of his aide Jahangir Tareen, who he referred as ‘Imran’s ATM’.
Nawaz claimed that his party would form the next governments in the centre and the provinces due to its overall performance, and pledged to establish a new KP by developing its infrastructure and natural potential to the optimum level.
The PML-N supremo also said that if people of the province want to witness development, they should go to Punjab.
Nawaz Sharif further said that Imran Khan himself admitted that he owned an offshore company, adding that the PTI chief should have extended a hand to the government for the progress and development of the country but he started politics of mudslinging and hurling accusations against political opponents.
Earlier, the local leadership of PML-N completed the preparations as 25,000 chairs were set up at the rally site.
According to the organisers, the party workers started reaching by 11 am while Nawaz and Maryam reached Swat around 1: 30 pm and went to the house of a local PML-N leader.
Maryam Nawaz’s husband, Captain (retd) Safdar, and PML-N leader Pervaiz Rasheed were also accompanying Nawaz Sharif.
PML-N leadership has been conducting public rallies across Pakistan with regard to its ‘Respect the Vote’ campaign.
Meanwhile, after consistent statements against the judiciary, deposed prime minister, on March 22, stated that he is ready to have a dialogue with all states institutions as long as they are “within constitutional limits”.
He said that discussions, which will not be personal, will cover the subjects of democracy, national interest, and governance.