Imran Khan at the PTI rally in Lahore. PHOTO: @Iam_Yousafzai/Twitter
PTI Chairman Imran Khan addressed the rally and laid out his party's plans for a "jihad against inflation and "slavery to America". He warned that inflation in the country was going to rise in the coming days.
Imran said that rampant corruption, too few people paying taxes, government over expenditure, excess printing of the Pakistani rupee, the elite safeguarding their wealth abroad and tax breaks for the rich were the major causes for rising inflation in the country.
The PTI Chairman vowed further street protests calling for an end to these problems. He cited a number of solutions the PTI would have undertaken if it was in power.
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End of Live Updates
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6:27pm
Imran Khan addresses the rally:
• On January 6, PTI's tsunami against inflation will reach Sindh. On January 24, we will reach Rawalpindi.
• We have decided to wage Jihad against inflation and most of all, against slavery to America.
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6:25pm
Imran Khan addresses the rally:
• They say K-P steals electricity. If they give us complete control over electricity, we'll show them how to eliminate theft.
• 1,700 servants in the governor house. Who is paying for all this expenditure? You are.
• If 3 million people in this country were taxed, it would yield a revenue of Rs 300 billion.
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6:20pm
Imran Khan addresses the rally:
• There is a very simple reason for blocking NATO supplies. We don't want to fight a war with America. We just want to convey our message (stop drones) very clearly and emphatically.
• How would PTI have stopped inflation? Answer: We would stop printing money. This government has printed Rs850 billion worth of notes in eight months.
• As long as you don't collect taxes from the rich, as long as you keep giving them tax breaks, inflation will remain high.
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6:15pm
Imran Khan addresses the rally:
• As long as the elite politicians and businessmen of this country keep their wealth abroad, prices will remain high and this nation will stay burdened with back-breaking taxes.
Imran demands that the rich bring back the billions of dollars they have in international banks to Pakistan.
• Those who have such huge amounts abroad...how can they look America in the eye? That's why they never do.
• Pakistan needs investment, which will never come if corruption isn't eliminated (like it has been in KP). Tell Imran khan the moment you find a corrupt minister in KP. Imran Khan will not let anyone off the hook...not even the chief minister.
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6:10pm
Imran Khan addresses the rally:
• We accepted the election results for the sake of the country, but we never accepted rigging.
• For all those people who are buried under inflation, I've personally seen its effects on the nation...let me tell you, this inflation is nowhere close to stopping. It will only increase.
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5:36pm
Imran Khan will be addressing the rally at High Court chowk, Express News reports.
The rally is running considerably off-schedule.
Imran Khan will start his Speech in 5 mins #ISF #PakAgainstInflation
— ISF Punjab Official (@ISFPunjab) December 22, 2013
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5:20pm
PTI leaders claiming large numbers have come out for the rally.
PTI's protest gathering has broken all previous records. Ppl have come out in huge numbers against 'zalimana mehngai'! #PakAgainstInflation
— Senator Ejaz Chaudhary (@EjazChaudhary) December 22, 2013
Lights have been turned on at the rally - #PakAgainstInflation rally moving towards Punjab Assembly #PTI
— Awab Alvi (@DrAwab) December 22, 2013
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5:15pm
The PTI rally is growing in numbers as the sun sets.
Photos from PTI's official Facebook page below:
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4:20pm
While PTI supporters are gathering to take part in the rally against inflation, the Punjab government has organised musical programs at the Race Course, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park and Minar-e-Pakistan.
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4:15pm
A few tweets about those participating in PTI's anti-price hike rally.
All modes of transportation welcome #PakAgainstInflation pic.twitter.com/cR2EhmiUUg
— Awab Alvi (@DrAwab) December 22, 2013
My College Senior attending PTI today Protest..
— Saadî 🇵🇰 (@saadi1052) December 22, 2013
Bravo..!!!#PakAgainstInflation@iSupportPTI @AnsariAdil @JalalQazi pic.twitter.com/PoxPoHnw1N
At mall road This man travelled all the way from Gojrah to attend #PakAgainstInflation pic.twitter.com/ZoO9JZDDdi
— Mujtaba Sharf (@MujtabaSharf) December 22, 2013
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4:10pm
PTI's central information secretary Shireen Mazari while talking to Express News said her party invited all political forces to join hands against rising prices of basic necessities.
Mazari added that she has received complaints regarding police stopping PTI supporters at various places in the city.
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4:00pm
Responding to accusations of stopping PTI supporters from reaching the rally site, Sanaullah said he will resign if PTI can prove PML-N or the Punjab government is involved in creating hindrances.
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3:55pm
PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah while speaking to Express News claimed that the residents of Lahore have rejected Imran’s negative politics.
He urged the PTI leader to work towards improving the situation in the country rather than creating an environment of conflict.
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3:24pm
PTI chairman Imran Khan is on his way to the venue on a customised truck. He is accompanied by PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) ameer Syed Munawar Hassan, Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed and others.
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3:05pm
The Twitter hashtag #Pakagainstinflation is being used by the PTI for this rally.
Some top tweets from the hastag below:
Nasir Bagh #Pakistan is against inflation! #ISF #PTI #PakAgainstInflation pic.twitter.com/F0T3hTgIV0
— Mujtaba Sharf (@MujtabaSharf) December 22, 2013
Crowd growing stronger and all charged at Lahore for rally against inflation. via @huma_maqsood #PakAgainstInflation pic.twitter.com/Ktbuonghft
— PTI (@PTIofficial) December 22, 2013
Massive crowd building up at mall road heading towards Nasir bagh, Lahore. #PakAgainstInflation pic.twitter.com/cuOFE6Ryfu
— PTI (@PTIofficial) December 22, 2013
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3:00pm
Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have started gathering at Lahore’s Nasir Bagh for the party’s anti-inflation rally.
A heavy contingent of security personnel is also deployed in the area to ensure peace.
Banners and sign boards bashing recent price hike and party flags can be seen on the city’s Mall Road.
COMMENTS (94)
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@AAV: Nawaz Sharif the political dictator is throwing money on guys like you. You should be ashamed of yourself supporting a dictator who does not care for common people, who only touring countries to establish his own factories like sugar mill in Sri Lanka. Dictator of Thailand is his business partner. I pray to see the end of the political dictators in Pakistan.
@Aysha M:
Parliament has become a debating club only. There is hardly any MNA's present in the assembly including prime minister who goes to attend the assembly occasionally. In this situation Parliamentarians will protest on the streets. There is no choice for them.
A impresive turn out. PTI should keep this pressure, PML-N will melt away soon Lahore is PTI strong hold
It is the biggest misunderstanding of PTI that they can win Lahore. PML n lives in the heart of Lahoris. All hats off for Lahoris who rejected this flop show.
Nawaz Sharif Zindabad.
We’ve always emphasized Pakistan’s importance in the region. We simply wish to see peace prevail throughout the region, especially Pakistan. We have shared interests in the region, and our nations are working together to counter the threat of terrorism. We are committed to restoring peace and stability in the region, and therefore, it is simply imperative for us to maintain a healthy working relationship. We’ve seen the negatives of not getting along in the past, and the need of the hour is to remain unified for the betterment of the region. Our leaders are meeting regularly to address our shared concerns. But it is extremely importance to not let any differences over shadow our common mission in the region. We certainly remain optimistic in regards to the future of our relationship and hope to work through any differences through regular communication and coordination.
Ali Khan DET, United States Central Command
It is because of friendly opposition that pakistan is about to be bankrupt.Most of the people sitting idle in their drawing rooms and commenting on politics.Imran is doing what a real opposition should do.Imaran is a national level leader and many people are trying to contain him to the KP.Inflation and foreingn policy are the domains of federal Government and not provincial.Let ask those who were making tall claims .PPP and PMLN are enjoying fixed matches and IK is a spoiler for them.
What the heck is wrong with this guy. He kept on doing such show-off stuff instead doing some real work. Damn Drama Khan.
Aslamu Alakum
Veri nice strugle pti
I am amazed. Simply amazed at how the IK naysayers keep on criticising him. Its been over 7 months now and I have yet to see their dear PM take any major progressive step towards anything. Haters would say that IK has done nothing in KPK; he is inexperienced, blah blah blah. What has our 'experienced' PM done so far? IK had the guts to be on the forefront of the polio drive. He blocked the NATO supplies while protesting against drone attacks. Has anyone heard or seen our PMs stance on that? In all the comments on this page against IK, I have yet to see anyone come out with some good (or any for that matter) arguements on supporting Nawaz Sharif. It is you people who do not want change and then criticise people who do. You are the ones who have hurt Pakistan. Pick up the stats and see for yourself.
Imran Khan has all the right to protest against the problems being faced by the country.This march has once again proved that people of Lahore support PTI. For days to come Frauds, cheats and their agents rulling the country will keep on doing CHOO CHOO puting forward many arguments to mislead the people.
What point of this dharna? IK is asking people to take time off their jobs and join him in his dharna. If he wants to bring the country out of this economic crisis, he should promote more businesses and development of industry so we can generate more revenue to overcome poverty leading to stronger Pakistan. IK is an MNA but so far he has been acting like a spoilt party worker on the street. Word of advice for IK, Stop playing games and do some work for a change by promoting your ideas and resolutions through proper channels.
@TAHIR: Bro..you, and all my other pmln friends are missing the point. Pmln have nothing to fear from a Pti rally, even if they had 10000 or 100000 people. Pti are not trying to topple the govt or call for mid term elections. Please watch any interview of IK from last two or three days, rather then the paranoid rantings of pmln spokesmen.
What pmln should be worried about is the increasing inflation and worsening economic solution. This is affecting EVERYONE. I know many non pti supporters, who didn't go to rally but complain daily about menghai to me. This is not a party issue but a pakistan issue. You can't honestly tell me that menghai is not an issue?
If Pti are putting pressure on pmln, well.....this is what opposition do. This is not anti democracy or a reason for pmln to push the panic button (something they seem to be doing). Remember shahbaz sharif rally against load shedding? Didn't see many of you lot complaining about that :)
There are many anti-PTI posts on this article, and not one actually addressing the issue or the points made in IKs speech. I have no idea what you guys think about what was said. Is your hatred for IK so much that even if he makes a good point you will reject? For example, do you not think its a good idea to tax the rich more? Or stop expenditure on governer houses?
Peace to all......
Imran will turn KP into another.....hmmm...let me think......liberal Scandinavia with the help of his "brothers", the Taliban.
Where have the PML losers gone now. Isn`t Mian Sahib paying enough to post rubbish anymore. This pathetic govt makes the incredibly corrupt and incompetent PPP look decent. Only 7 months and the panic sets in.
pti bashers are great loosers u just need burnol. but ur govt also hike the price of burnol . now you should need to bath on fresh water
Wasting millions of rupees on such protests and rallies will further increase the inflation. This money should have been spent on some other noble and social welfare cause.
Bad day for PTI. No one expected such a little rally.
East or West Nawaz Sharif is the best.
I am from KPK. Condition is not good in KPK. This province suffered during last tenure of ANP but situation is the same in PTI era as well. KPK needs a Shehbaz Sharif. Only a CM like Shehbaz Sharif can administer KPK in a better way. This is a truth whether someone agree or not. There should be no doubt that Punjab always progressed whenever Shehbaz Sharif became CM of Punjab. Problems cannot be resolved through Dharnas and Rallies.
Rally against inflation was led by billionaires who were riding a truck. Millions was spent for this rally against inflation. This rally was just an attempt to fool the nation. Thanks to the nation who gave much unhealthy response to the rally.
Anti-America slogans are always raised by traditional mullah parties. Imran Khan is also doing the same. This slogan never helped these parties. PTI going on the wrong path.
There is no matter of worry for pml n because rally was very little. PTI could not attract the people towards the rally. It was a black day for PTI supporters who are blindly following an immature person.
The fact is that PTI supporters are burning from inside due to failure of their rally. The politics of agitation by Imran Khan will give nothing to Pakistan. He seems to be some foreign agent doing work on foreign agenda. PML N has come into power after 14 years. It is not so easy to rectify the things which were messed during last 14 years. PTI should support the federal government so that obstacles in the path of country's progress can be removed. But problem is that PTI is doing bad and selfish politics. They don't think about Pakistan. They only think about PTI.
I wish PTI would also hold a similar jalsi and Sunday kay Sunday Funday in my city, Karachi. But then again, you need the approval and blessings of Altaf Bhai to embark on such an expedition.
Jihad is the most misused term. Imran Khan and Co. playing cricket with Islam.
Love you PTI. The only party working for Pakistan.
Well your Sindh President of PTI is considered to be one of the most corrupt individual from Musharaf's ERA. You've made him the Sindh President of PTI. If u really want change its best that the change starts within i.e pti itself !!
By the way where is bhaghi in the picture??
Good show PTI. Imran Khan is truly Pakistan Khan. It is great to see PML Noora supporters burn from inside here.
Long Live IK. Ik is too good for this country and we know it. He is all about conviction and service. I see all the NS bloggers have the same theme so they must be from Lahore. There is no "brightness" to be noticed. IK on the other hand is a the only leader in real terms. NS has used his "tajarba" to win the elections but it wont be the same next time-so enjoy your well earned (rigged as proven by EC's own claims) next 5 years.
Errr....mullah munawar hasan on right and sheikh Rasheed on left hand. Imran khan and friends of Islam and democracy. Lol.
Pakistan will never progress unless ppl stop relying on businessmen (shareefs, zardari etc) to change their fate. I should rather say corrupt businessmen. Pak needs a leader and not a business man. Wake up and stop being selfish! Read the definition of leader and see if it fits to your man leading a party. How naive you are! Pakistan is suffering more from a literate ignorant than a real ignorant. Apni ek dukan chalaney k liye we are willing to do whatever it takes. Such a shame!
Today people shows they are unhappy with present regime!
Nwaz Shaarif should sack finanace minster for doing such infliation people are dying to meet ends
@Khawaja Kashif: I feel pity for people who can afford a computer but cant afford eyeglasses or dont know how to count :)
Even prevaiz rashid would not embarress himself by saying few hundred...then again....:)
It was good to tell the govt stop corruption otherwise we will protest and it si our right!
Well done Mr PTi u people raise the voice for poor masses! I am happy to see some on street for me
@Young: Entire?...hardly :)
@YOUTH: Few hundred?..bhai...typing somthing in bold, doesn't make it true :)
Bourgeoise have been united and using poor to come in power.
it seems like the jamat e islami chant is getting PTI. each time they campaign for something it turns somewhere anti US. if PTI loose to this they will let go their liberal support which is all its made up of.
entire youth is with PML n. Imran is trying to be representative of youth but youth supports PML n.
Imran is doing the traditional politics of 90s. Where is the change. This politics of agitation is useless. PTI should give some attention to the problems of KPK where they are ruling.
Lahore is the fort of PML-N. PTI can never win Lahore. It is proved again today. Lahore has population of more than 1 crore but few hundred people gathered today. I feel pity for PTI lovers.
@Bhai: Interesting. ...how exactly will the rally negatively affect foreign investment? I would be interested to know your thought process in coming to this conclusion!
I cannot control my laughter on such a small show of PTI. Ha Ha Ha Ha. I salute people of Lahore who are with PML-N with the core of their hearts.
PTI tamasha has been badly flopped. Imran seems to be some foreign agent who is working on some foreign agenda. Imran's politics may affect the flow of foreign investment in Pakistan. This will not be good for Pakistan's economy.
Allah bless Pakistan Allah bless Nawaz Sharif
What a joker, why doesn't you declare Jihad against lack of education / 'jahalat', corruption in KP, service delivery and protection for the masses in the province. He goes on about this inflation and Anti-America business like a stuck record, I don't see how America is relevant in ensuring people get schools or clean water or recreational facilities ? The police getting training and equipment ?
Everyday I lose more and more respect for him, his party and his supporters every day. From a campaign which started off which such great promise, all that is left is emotional slogans and jalsas coupled with extreme non-delivery.....and that is what disappoints me most, as I didn't really expect much from the existing parties, but this guy and his party had so much potential and they are busy squandering it.
All the guys on the truck are millionaires. How ironic.
PTI is a mullah party and can only give Pakistanis anti-Americanism and stupidity.
Thank you Lahoris for rejecting the PTI show today.
@The Failed Rebel: Shame for PTI voters and supporters. Shame for PTI. It was a little Jalsi.
I'm from Lahore and in Lahore! I am seeing the faces of Lahoris! I see people from all parties joining in! A 'junoon' in them! My city, the so-called base of PML-N is overwhelmed by this. People have hoisted the PTI flags on their houses which weren't used since elections! Mosques were continuously supporting the march all afternoon! How shameless PML-N rulers are, they betrayed their own! Spineless hypocrites! Pakistan Zindabad!
I love watching pmln panic. Does anyone ashouldn't havehave any comments on the points made in the speech? Or are they still crying about the rally...which is a democrattic right of the people. Just recently there were large rallies against the govt of uk against increase in university fees in London. You didn't see the uk govt sending its ministers on tv crying. Lol.
Sher in full panic mode! Actually...they shouldn't have made tall claims before the elections. Or said they have plans ready or the best economic team. Because evidently. ...they dont!
If Imran Khan is the future of Pakistan; then Pakistan has no future. I agree with this comment mentioned above.
SO MUCH NOISE BY PTI DURING LAST FEW DAYS. AND JUST FEW HUNDRED PEOPLE TODAY IN THE RALLY. STRANGE.
Has Imran taken any steps regarding inflation in KPK. He is only fooling the nation. Pakistan will not be benefited from such politics.
It was a flop show by PTI. PTIs popularity is once again exposed. Shame for PTI.
Dirtiest politics by PTI.
Hi Imran, What a good attempt to curb the inflation, well done, Please continue such efforts and donnot give in the tactics and excuses of the PMLN or PPP. I agree that they are waiting and enjoying their turns and preparing their babies to take the seats where no one else but they must come. Is Pakistan a personal property of these thugs?
Please keep up the flag of Pakistan in its right place and continue believing in yourself, I wish you God's speed. You have already made history to stand against the inflation in Pakistan. Just keep this one point agenda and you will succeed.
So what exactly is IK going to do about inflation? And how does the USA enslave Pakistan? This guy has made a political career out of pandering to anti American sentiment and promising simplistic fixes to complicated problems. If he's the future of Pakistan you have no future.
Its quite funny that the Government's answer to a rally is a concert! Bravo PML N! You are truely showing what you are made up of! A pussycat in the skin of a tiger....
Umar: So this is the whole strength of PTI from all over the punjab, KPK and etc according to them about over 200,000 people. In punjab average winning MNA is getting above 50,000 votes. So what should we say to this!!! It's better to finish these dramas and show some work in KPK otherwise Pakistani people are not so fool to vote PTI on presenting successful stage shows.
The amount spent on boards, flexes, banners, cars, music system etc during this rally could have been given to the poor as a relief rather than wasting money which would further add to inflation. Show sincerity and donate this money to people rather than use it to gain popularity.
I am so shocked with so called Pakistani nationals being critical of the rally rather than the government but i suppose these people, few in numbers are the ones to blame for all these issues. No wonder we have so many incompetent people in charge making fools of the masses. It's high time, this minority was laid to rest.
@Dido: Bro...firstly its a march...not dharna/sit in. Im participating and am also going to go to my job tomorrow. Secondly, the march is not about earnings but inflation. Thirdly, please watch SMQ on agenda 360 programme yesterday to see what they are doing in parliament. One problem they face is that pmln treasury members dont often turn up or have not prepared answers. This is also what caused ch nisar to publicy speak out against his own party members (which I appreciate). I hope pmln members take their job in parliment more seriously.
Disgusted to ses IK standing with Munawar Hussain.
First let me say this hahahahaha, as expected the show of Imran khan in lahore is an utter failure, he should understand that he cannot sell emotionalism in punjab, it just does not work in punjab.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151812763711766&set=a.392114666765.177255.92799481765&type=1
B team of establishment with head coach(!!!) retired vs national team (democracy) going to be one sided match...
They are going to lose this match too.Lolz anti inflation rally sitting on luxurious buggies and sport cars.Hypocrisy at its best.
Look at the picture and tell honestly-Are they the people who will do any good for Pakistan.Just look at their past.Goggle is there if no short memory.It's a matter of your motherland.Don't let them fool you.They are doomed.Don't be part of them if you don't want to be embarrassed.
? Is this the real spirit of dharna? Tomorrow is Monday and we all along with our political leaders will go for our jobs. But there is a difference between us and them! We like our jobs and we never go for dhrna about our jobs but why on earth these super fallacious hypocrites organized dharna about their earnings. Why don’t they give up being the part of their system by simply refusing to be part of Parliament? I am fed up, sick and tired of these erroneous, misleading and untrue leaders. We are all in apathy "Waiting for Godot" while attending dharna. But that ultimate leader never comes!
OHMIGOD I laughed so hard at the update for 4:20 x'D Like, really PMLN? REALLY?
imran cant sit back and do nothing.these pressures will atleast make the government think.
Imran Khan is the real opposition, the real voice of the Pakistanis! Shame on PML-N voters and supporters. The slaves who brought slaves to power. Pakistan Zindabad!
This would have been a simple rally that came and passed... But the idiots at PMLN have managed to turn it into a full fledged political event... Thanks saad rafiq... Rana sanaullah and co....
This dharna politics, despite being in government is a double edged sword. PTI won't see it coming just like it didn't see 11th May coming.
Emergency musical show setup by Punjab government in different parts of Lahore, this news made me laugh so hard :D
Khan Strikes, and Strikes harder. This is what a real opposition should do to put pressure on government. Seeing poor comments from PMLNs leaders is because they have never seen a real opposition in there life. Inflation in KPK or any where else is due to Central Government wrong polices and totally mismanagement.
When everything has to be decided in the streets, why have elections. PTI with its dharna style has done a great disservice to the already detoriating political culture of Pakistan. very unfortunate
Inflation is at its highest level since PML(N) took the govt. We support khan saheb in this noble cause.
Concert and dance party in Lahore tonight. Hope it doesn't rain this time aswell.
So PML-N punjab govt came up with Free musical concert to counter PTI rally. Akheer shughal...
Few thousand on the street, look at sh. Rasheed - Puppet
I remember the day when Musharraf left how happy everyone was that democracy is returning and how pakistan will prosper. Looking back now finally our young generation sees the real face of democracy in Pakistan making Musharraf times look like heaven.
Imran Khan is right to protest against this incompetency and He loves Pakistan and anyone who doubts this is a fool as simple as that.
I heard westerns are applying for KPK work visa, since IK+PTI took over... :)
I guess Imran khan truned kp into new york.. firstly he should sweep before his own door,,, And instead of doing tamasha on roads he should go to Supreme court or should use the proper channel that is parliment either... Any tamsha and confrontation is effort to turn this state in situation like syria and egypt and effort to derail the democratic process that can only be done as complinace to direction of our foreing hidden enemies...
Looking at every banner.It seems that rally is more like a gathering to get LGB tickets than a protest.
When will ShowBaz Sharif restart his 'camp office' on Minar-e-Pakistan?
Inflation in last 6 months is highest in Asia much worse then in PPP era. PMLN instead of controlling inflation which is federal subject, trying to stop people from exercising their democratic right to protest.