Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has reportedly advised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers against staging a protest for him on March 23.
According to reports, the PML-N supremo on Friday asked the workers to celebrate Pakistan Day instead of protesting in his favour for not getting the desired medical treatment in jail.
“The PML-N is a responsible party and workers will adhere to party policy,” Nawaz was quoted as saying.
The PML-N workers had decided to stage protests from March 17 to March 23 at various locations to protest against the treatment being meted out to the three-time premier.
“I have come to know that the workers, being worried over my health condition, want to assemble outside Kot Lakhpat jail to give vent to their sentiments. Perhaps, they want to arrange some protest outside to raise their voice in support of me. I respect the sentiments of my lovers. I appeal to all of you not to lose patience. I have no taint of corruption; therefore, I expressed full trust in the law and justice system of my country. I prefer national interest to my personal and political interests,” he said in a statement.
Nawaz reportedly cautioned the party workers, telling them that they should not make any decisions regarding protests without the approval of the party’s leadership.
Nawaz was sentenced to seven years in prison in the Al-Azizia corruption reference while his legal team has filed a petition to have his sentence suspended on medical grounds. He is incarcerated at the Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail.