Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) launched its protest movement against Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s refusal to step down after his conviction in a contempt case. The first rally was held in Taxila on Saturday addressed by PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif who termed the movement as a “war to save the Supreme Court”.
Leader of Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, also present at the gathering, boasted that the Taxila rally was organised within a notice of three days and this was just the “trailer”. After boasting about the party's achievements during its tenure, Chaudhry Nisar went on to bash the ruling government as well as Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).
“The ones who talk about bringing a revolution - they won’t bring any revolution, they can only bring agony. Ask them what their policy is about Kashmir, about labourers, about farmers and about the US. He [PTI chairman Imran Khan] comes on stages with his rote-learned speeches and starts accusing us,” he stated.
The leader of the opposition added after the Supreme Court indicted Gilani, Imran Khan said that he will wait for a detailed order and Gilani, in return, started appreciating him.
Chaudhry Nisar left the stage with chants of “Go Gilani Go” while Nawaz Sharif took the rostrum as participants chanted “Dekho dekho, kon aya? Sher aya, Sher aya”.
“We were willing to be a part of the government to help it move forward... But you tell me: Will you sit in a car which has an inexperienced driver? This government claims of completing its five year tenure, but what has it achieved in these five years,” Nawaz Sharif questioned.
It was earlier reported that besides the protest, the party will also be focusing on its election campaign in Taxila – a constituency from which Chaudhry Nisar has been elected six times. But, Nawaz Sharif, while addressing the rally, stated that he did not come to the city for an election campaign. “We have come here for the security and survival of Pakistan... We are here for the future of our children.”
The party chief went on to comment on the deteriorating law and order situation of various areas of the country. “Is there anyone who cares about Lyari? Or the security situation of Karachi or Balochistan?” he further questioned.
“This is a war to save the Supreme Court,” Nawaz Sharif stated.
Following the Supreme Court’s indictment of Gilani, several parties, including the PML-N, protested against the premier demanding him to step down from his post.
The PML-N has continued to protest in the National Assembly sessions and boycotted the Senate’s debate on President Asif Ali Zardari’s address. The party has stated that it will continue with such protests till Gilani resigns from his post.
MQM’s reaction
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Haidar Abbas Rizvi has said that the opposition parties, including the PML-N, must wait for the final detailed verdict of the Supreme Court before taking any decision.
Talking to a private news channel, Rizvi said that the prime minister still has the right to appeal in the case.
He added that democracy gives every political party the right to protest to highlight its stance, however, responsibilities should be taken into consideration and the assembly sessions should not be halted.
Rizvi further said that there is no option for a third force to intervene in the present democratic setup.
ANP’s reaction
Awami National Party (ANP) leader Senator Afrasiyab Khattak said that the announcement of a long march by PML-N in the present political situation is an ‘irresponsible decision’.
Talking to a private news channel, he said if any party is considering a change in the country, it should be brought through a democratic and constitutional way.
Senator Khattak stated that the resolution on the creation of South Punjab province has been passed according to the Constitution and it has been passed in the National Assembly while the Provincial Assembly has also been asked to introduce a resolution on it.
Qamar Zaman Kaira
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira said that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) does not need an interpretation of the Supreme Court’s short order in prime minister’s contempt case by Sharif brothers and Chaudhry Nisar.
Talking to media in Murree after inaugurating the 15th conference on Ophthalmology, Kaira said, “We only accept the interpretation of the public, and PPP is enjoying full support and mandate of the public.”
The minister said that all the political allies have expressed confidence in Gilani, and further advised the Sharif brothers to do politics on real issues being faced by the countries rather than trying to influence the court.
COMMENTS (63)
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@Umar Khan: taxila in Sindh? please re-check your geography, it's in Punjab.
A new sick minded excuse to bring people on road. People come to rallies to eat free food nothing else. They are dying with hunger and these people want them to protest to save SC which they attack and humiliate themselves.
Mian Nawaz is the serious politician with having great experince of developement. I think PMLN is having the best team to run the country affairs. Air Ports,Motorways,Nuke test,IT revolution,Infra structural,Defence roads,FJ17 thunder. If i compare the period of Nawaz sharfi with other 60years there is nothing but during the period od mian sb coutry was progressing to become asian tiger.
India was requesting to import electricity from pak.Bullet train was in pipe line.Ghawadae ports was signed with china but unfortunately Musharraf ruined everything and Imran Niazi was with him.....
Please let us get rid of Zaedari,Gillani,Iltaf,Choudhries and Imran niazi........ They all the aginst nawaz sharif because they want to eat........ Zardari paid 7 million to imran and paying more in order to cut nawaz vote bank.....
All the lal masjid kirdars,Afia kirdars,Mafias,Jageerdars,Lootaries.....Swati paid 16 karor to become cenet memeber....Ghulam serwar in Pindi is the worst person who is coroupt.....
:) its hearting to see Shariff's worried and intimated by a PTI - a party which even does not has a single representative in assemblies today. Well done Khan, well done PTI - the raise of PTI will be the fall on PML-N, and why not after all its will be the same democractic system that Shariff are trying to protect which will prove them expensive.
I however appreciate the symbolic gesture of Shariff's - at least they have decided to come out on roads if not the assemblies, but i fear too little too late as they are already standing in waist deep water - Sunami is raising, fast and is not just limited to a few provinces!
Pakistan Zindabad
Give it up dude. You conveniently forget your goons stormed the same court when you were in power and they ruled against you! Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
didnt IK announced a civil disobedient movement against the fed gov in Oct 2011, mind telling me wat happened to that??? grow up ... talk about drama bazi...lol
PTI is playing on the PPP's turf. There is only one party which can defeat PPP and has impressive track record against PPP is PML(N). PTI cannot win more than ten seats but it will provide an easy victory to PPP. If I were a PPP supporter, I would be happiest person on earth. Great job PTI supporters.
PTI would proved itself a winner in Punjab, there is no alternative of it,
People of Pakistan have longstanding experience, have seen their baseless slogans and credibility,they have no credibility,brainless but know,how to plunder the national exchequer and have to exploited the people.
In the forthcoming general election, people of Pakistan would expressed a great wisdom and removed all those has become black dot on the face the country.
`
@ Umar khan For your kind information taxilla is in punjab near rawalpindi so govt machinery was in full use still they could not bring a large crowd
’ this is a war to save Supreme Court, hypocrisy,hypocrisy,step a sided slogan, it is election campaign gaining for more seats. in forthcoming general election.
Sensible people wanting to run things by rule of law wait till the whole process is over including the appeal process and final verdict of Supreme Court. Leaders must set examples as tomorrow they can be in the same boat.
@ Umar khan
oh bhai ankhain kholo... it was held in Ch. Nisar constituency. since when Ch. Nisar start fighting election from Sind
@ PMLn supporters, read the latest iri survey .. Pti leads nationwide with 31% while Pmln following with 27%.. some 1 really need Burnol..
@Loyal Sindhi: Good comment. PML N is a million times better than PTI.
Just look at the PTI reaction to Gilani convivtion; instead of aksing Gilani to resign , they are saying PML N should resign.
What sort of logic is that????
@umar khan :: hahahahahhahahahahahahhaha are you kidding me ?? hahahahhahaha
Taxila (Urdu: ٹیکسلا) is a Tehsil in the Rawalpindi District of Punjab province of Pakistan. It is an important archaeological site. Taxila is situated about 32 km (20 mi) northwest of Islamabad Capital Territory and Rawalpindi in Panjab; just off the Grand Trunk Road. Taxila lies 549 metres (1,801 ft) above sea level. ( from Wikipedia just to be PRECISE )..
who wouldn't know that Taxila is NOT in Sindh but Punjab ?? oh please give me a break a LONG BREAK
I wonder, does the supreme court want or need the help? Probably not. It's a voter stunt for all parties jumping on the issue.
Says that man who had his party workers storm the Supreme Court building and abused the judges because they were hearing a case against him.
Mr. Sharif you are one big hypocrite.
@rizwan Rashid butt: @Loyal Sindhi: Both of you must be living in a cave together thats why you have the same opinion of a failed leader who doesnt have any sense to speak what, where and when. By The Way Revolution came in Egypt, Tunis and Libya through awareness. And this awareness was raised on social networking sites like FB and twitter.
Mian is looking to get judgement according to his own wishes like he always does.
@Umar Khan: Have you lost your senses or what? Taxila in Sindh???
Save Supreme Court so that it is attacked once you are in power. It doesn't need your support MNS. Constitution while protecting the Court has also protected the tenure of the incumbent government. A word of advice for you: WAIT FOR YOUR TURN IF THERE WOULD BE ANY.
PTI, PMLN, or whatever other party that wishes to establish the rule of law should start that virtuous task from their own term in office. PPP as a coalition leader has taught you some good lessons. Try to learn from them.
Two very conflicting claims are being made by two political opponents but yet partners in govt. Gilani is claiming that he is guarding the constitution whereas Nawaz is claiming in saving the Supreme Court ie judiciary. A tricky puzzle to decide who is/are correct amongst the three ?
Look at the enthusiasm of the crowd in this picture and that of the crowd when IK does a speech. You will have your answer.
@Umar Khan: Dost Taxila is near Rawalpindi.
Nawaz sharif needs alliance like PPP has secured.
@Umar Khan: Where is Taxila in Sindh? haha
the sharif's are trying to fool the public with their noora kushti
Its funny how Mr Nisar aka Mr Bean in Karachi and soon all over Pakistan said Burger awam or Mummy Daddy are not Pakistani! I hope he is not referring to his children who holds AMERICAN citizenship!
@Loyal Sindhi: Yeah, track record of looting. If either of PML-N or PPP comes to power again then Pakistan ka Allah Hafiz hai
This war is to save Zardari, Mian Saab!
@Loyal Sindhi: I dearly hope that you're aware of the fact that if there's one province where PML-N is nearly non-existent and has gathered support by "collecting" Mumtaz Bhuttos & co, it's Sindh, so I obviously believe you but a mass support of Sindhis for Nawaz Sharif seem virtual and theoretical. You can be one of those 19 pro PML-N Sindhis though.
All those that call this a patwari jalsa, it was held in Taxila Sindh not Punjab. So gov;t machinerycould not ahve been used.
pmln big party pti barger party
The only hope for the Pakistan Nawaz Sharif!!!God bless him.I can only say one thing about the PTI supporter that revolution cannot be materialise only on FB n twitter nor through music concerts but with the practical approach and this is what IK lacks. We sindhi will vote for someone who is patriotic with vision and has track record!!!
we are with you.... NS ,,, to save Pakistan and Supreme Court
Did anyone notice rented people leaving ground while NS was still addressing the crowd..??
The only hope for the Pakistan Nawaz Sharif!!!God bless him.I can only say one thing about the PTI supporter that revolution cannot be materialise only on FB n twitter nor through music concerts but with the practical approach and this is what IK lacks. We sindhi will vote for someone who is patriotic with vision and has track record!!!
@Pakistani Muslim: lol, the survey is about Lahore with a sample of a bit less than 5000 souls, and Lahore has always been PML-N's main area of battle, even so because of Shahbaz Sharif who wants to make it the "Paris of Pakistan", forgetting that Punjab is not limited to Lahore. So that's actually encouraging for PTI, but which is even more encouraging is that it's criminally leading in KPK (pure domination), is #1 in Balochistan (and still can get vote if it makes alliance with JUI and Balochistan's national parties, which it will) and is #2 in Sindh - PTI, a new party, is #2, that's a landmark considering how Bhutto is revered there. I just hope that PTI does more work in Sindh, there's a potential to grow, and I wonder if the 44% for PPP haven't been sampled in some remote rural area of Sindh.
But I guess that general Pasha made PTI popular in KPK and Balochistan, two provinces particularly known to love ISI, not even talking about the Quetta jalsa.
Looking at the state of affairs in Pakistan I am reminded of a Bollywood song; " Aag lagi humri jhonpadia me, hum ganwei malhar".. ( We are singing Rag Malhar while our house is burning). Country is being bombed by drones, suicide bombers and what not, economy has come to grinding halt and politicians are at the neck of each other. Right would have been to have a national government and address the burning issues facing the nation.
PEW international puts IK at 68% Favourabilaty up from 52% NS is at 63% Down from 71%.(PEW Global attitudes, 2011).
Zardari is toast though. 11% down from 20%. Gillani 37% down from 59%.
More useful are ranked survey. You Gov (July 2011)asked who was "best suited (first & second choice) politician to lead Pakistan". 77 percent of the people surveyed considered Imran Khan as the best suited (first & second choice) politician to lead Pakistan in comparison to 11 percent for Nawaz Shariff, 13 percent for Prime Minister Gilani and 1 percent for Pervez Elahi. IRI (March 2012)which I think has methodolical problems with their polling puts it down so: Pakistan Tahree-i-Insaf (PTI) was leading with 31% votes, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PMLN) is the second leading party with 27% votes and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) popularity remains intact at 16%
But the real challenge is to translate this into votes, which needs organization, candidates.
We are with you in "war to save the Supreme Court". Bravo. Great initiative to save Pakistan.
As long as you do not attack the SC it is all fine. But this is not the SC headed by Shah, it is headed by Choudhry and there are no active cases here against you. The PCO court heard you loud and clear and is afraid of your street power and Qabza group. Be assured there would not be any active case against you in the current setup of SC, you are their political arm, heart and soul.
PML_N must remember that day when they attacked on Supreme Court. Before taking any steps against PPP government, firstly they must apologize to Supreme Court for their disgraceful act bcoz “Charity begins at home” .
Although it sounds good, this survey result is of concern, both for PML N and PTI.
For PML N, Lahore got max development funds and projects, yet the voting percentage dropped from 55% to 46%. Probably they can relax with the fact that if Lahore being most liberal city is still with them and has not fallen in IK fever, there is room for vote bank increase in rural and conservative areas.
For PTI, Raising from 0.3 to 34% is a big success, yayy! However, their best time with Lahore is probably over (not every time they can arrange 2 lac gathering) and yet their vote bank is 34%. Combine that with political experience of PML N politicians and PTI can be in further trouble in elections. They must get their think tanks on this, Now!
With hundreds of Patwaris tasked to bring a dozen vehicles each full of people; even Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman can do such Jalsa in front of White House, Washington :P
Lahore is one of most educated cities in Pak. and IK started his campaign with 200K gathering in this city. If Lahories are not favoring IK, that must be a concern for him.
Only ten thousand people came to see his face lol
HATS OFF to the dirty politics being played by PML-N.!! Pakistani politics and leaders are much more entertaining and thrilling than Hollywood or Bollywood movies xD
Contradictory statements from the "great leader". First, he says Gillani is no longer the prime minister. In the same breath, he retorts: "Gillani must write letter to the Swiss authorities". May I ask, in which capacity?
Musical chairs by looters of national wealth. All crooks and rotten to the core.
what else a party could do in the face of continuous denial of a charter signed by the late leader of the other party!? NS and late BB learned their lessons after a tumultuous history of fighting each other and sat on the table and chalked out a future road map in the shape of COD. the incumbents are not ready to benefit from their martyred leader then let them also learn from what is happening now then they too will have to sit down and sort out issues which cannot be resolved in confrontation. true, it is a preparation for the general election.
@saeed: I doubt your numbers. The only battleground that is up for grabs for PTI is north and central Punjab. And this is where PML-N is going to be pinched. All this noora Kushti of PML-N is to guard these territories. Other than those don't expect "Tsunami", if you don't want your dreams shattered.
Realistically speaking, next government will have PPP, ANP, MQM with the support of PTI (or PML-N). The one which helps the former in the center, will get government in Punjab (most likely PTI), and the isolated one will be totally wiped out.
@Imran: i just stated the figures & am not too or over excited... the elections are just round the corner. and its obvious that PTI is finding it hard to rope in more political heavy weights since the departure of Mr. Pasha.. btw its my unbiased neutral views :)
@Pakistani Muslim: Don't get too excited my friend. First, it is for Lahore only. Second, only 19% from rural areas? Don't forget 100% of 0 remains a 0. Third, we don't really know these organizations doing surveys. Most of them are on the payroll of the Punjab Government.
The above survey is for Lahore & surroundings only.
PML doing Topi drama, they are in Gov and demonstration against them? they already pas pond Lahore rely. we becoming sick with this partnership, only PTI is our hope.
The survey findings are eye opening for every party's election prospects specially for PTI & PMLN, it gives ample room for both to progress.
For PMLNs point of view, Its not too bad as overall they still leading in public approval ratings for next elections (46% for PMLN, 34% for PTI),
PTI only leading in the age group of 18-25 years where she scores 40% compares to PMLN's 38%, still encouraging for PMLN as some might suggests a land slide in favour of PTI in that group alone.
However PTI gains could not be ignored as it increased from Zero and therefore quite encouraging, other parties like PPP and PMLQ will be wiped out completely as per the survey findings.....PMLN need to speed up their constructive work and man to man contacts right intact to win the battle in the end fortunately time is on their side too as well.
Another important reality of the survey is the respondents belongs to
Urban Areas: 81% Rural Areas: 19%
I mean, The results quite in favor of PMLNs when one thinks that it was widely acknowledged earlier that urban areas would be Pro PTI for sure.
To read the whole survey, you first have to download it form below link.
http://www.rtipakistan.com/images/survey.pdf
Pakistan Memo League is suffering from PTI syndrome. Symptoms are cluelessness, fatigue, delusions, phobia, and hallucinations.
I hope PMLN tries to protest and fails miserably. I know it is important for the country that this government goes but I also know that anything from PMLN is equally dangerous. They are only making people a fool and I hope they are not able to fool the people this time.
Read between the lines; 'Election campaign' the real reason behind all these protests. I salute your decieving politics Mr. Nawaz Sharif, and also slave members of PMLN.
Another patwari rally using poor tax payers money for Sharif brothers personal political gains