ISLAMABAD: Addressing the National Assembly, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made it clear on Wednesday that anyone intending to derail democracy would be challenged by Parliament and all democratic forces in the country.
In his speech to the National Assembly, the prime minister appreciated the parliament’s resolve to uphold the constitution and democratic values, adding that the parliament is the true representative of 200 million Pakistanis.
"Governments come and go, prime ministers come and go," the prime minister said. "But keeping faith in democracy and the constitution is what ensures that democracy survives."
“Nine out of ten parties, with diverse ideologies, have voted in favor of the resolution,” he said, adding that there was no precedence of this in the history of Pakistan.
The prime minster said that he had taken an oath to protect the Constitution, and that he would never betray this duty, reiterating his commitment to uphold and protect the constitution.
The prime minister also thanked all political parties, lawyers, journalists, civil society, businesspersons and minorities who supported the resolution.
He assured the House that the government will keep working on development and progress.
2008 elections
"My nomination papers and those of Shabaz Sharif were rejected," said the prime minister, while giving his party's example in the 2008 general elections. “Yet we campaigned and accepted the election results open heartedly.”
“We did not cry foul even though we had a legitimate concern since the party’s chief was unable to submit nomination papers,” he added.
“The PPP won more seats in the 2008 elections; we accepted their right to be in power and supported it,” he said.
The prime minister said that when he went to see Imran Khan at the hospital soon after the 2013 election victory, Imran congratulated him and assured he would play his role in a ‘constructive opposition’ and would support the agenda of economic progress.
“I met the MQM delegation this morning and we agreed on the policy of reforms in the country,” the premier added. He reiterated that the 33-member committee will play a crucial role in bringing electoral reforms.
The PM reiterated that the economy has suffered immensely due to the protests and the prevailing political situation in the country. “Would anyone want our credit rating to go back to negative?” he asked rhetorically.
The prime minister added that there should also be debate on why and how the current political crisis developed, while handing it over to Minister of Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique to brief the House on the negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT).
COMMENTS (52)
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@Naive: Those 4 seats were selected very carefully because PTI was 100% sure that rigging took place on a massive scale in support of PML N candidate.The reason PML N went to the high courts and took stay order lasting for over 9 months because they knew very well if detailed voters varification is done on those 4 constituencies the rigging will be proved and goverment would collapse.
@Ishrat Salim: “…neutral set of Govt to oversee implementation of electoral reforms & election process…” Where is this going to come from? Even the angels are not going to be “neutral.” Through recurrence of elections, electoral reforms are going to get better. But you cannot guarantee a pious govt. unless and until we are truly honest and that thing, sir, is missing in many, if not most of us. And, the nation is not likely to buy that IK and Qadri and their followers are the only ones that can be trusted, period.
@Xman I dont need your support neither did I ask for it. I will protest because unlike you I voted! And because I am the biggest supporter of democracy I want these corrupt "Gulu Butts" to be tried under the law of Pakistan and given the punishments they deserve.
They killed 17 people, injuring 95. Do you need more proof that these are not the elected representatives of a democratic country?
I will be going to the Consulate General of Pakistan in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada to register my protest. With or without you my friend!
@Ishrat Salim: No one is scared of electoral reforms but that does not mean the PM should resign. The matter initially raised by IK was about four seats. If NS was smart enough, he would have taken a pro-active approach and would have those elected to resign and then should have called for reelection of those seats. Since soon after elections, NS was riding at the crest of the wave of popularity he could have shown that PML-N could win those four controversial seats again. And, that would have put IK on the back foot. But NS is not a pro-active politician, he is rather a reactive one and that is his main drawback, among other negatives. But the merit of the case, nevertheless, is that NS govt is legitimate and no matter what the fate of the controversial seats,NS would still enjoy majority. But IK is power hungry. He has made a mountain of a mole hill and that was because he want to become PM by hook or crook. But he never will, even if NS goes.
@Ayesha: According to the latest Gallop Pakistan poll, sixty six percent of Pakistanis do not wish the PM to resign. Some do not trust this poll but it can't be too far from reality. You do not see the game of the forces behind the dharna. The right of the civilian leadership to govern effectively, without undue influence, is being challenged. Rome was not built in one day. It takes time to strengthen the country which has been damaged beyond repair. The respite has again been interrupted by undemocratic demagogic forces and progress has been stalled. The trajectory of betterment was not tolerated as its success would leave no chance for the opportunists to wrest control of the government.
@Naive:
2008 election was also not perfect & 3.7 million votes were found to be un-verified. SC took notice on the petition of Mr Mubasher Luqman, which was sent to NADRA who confirmed this anomaly. Under such circumstances, SC however, did not call for re-count etc; because the country had just ushered into " democratic era ". Election 2013 had similar problem but on a higher scale in term of sophistication & execution. Can we allow such controversies to continue under one pretext or another ? Democracy will never flourish if we continue to put our head under the sand like an ostrich & put forth different excuses to let govt continue with all sort of rigging etc; issues. Why not first do the electoral process ( which has been accepted after 2 abused elections ) put the system in place then go through the electoral process ? This way all controversies will rest & real democracy will usher. For this system to take root, we must all be prepared to handover power to a neutral set of Govt to oversee implementation of electoral reforms & election process void of past anomalies. Why are people so scared to such a scenario ?
@Xman: Giving resignation or demanding resignation is not un-constitutional in any democratic country.This is shame democracy of Pakistan which the corrupt politicians are trying to protect.Inshallah change is on the way.Truly fair election under a neutral caretakers with biometric system is the only way this country can move forward.
@logic: What an ilogical answer under the circustances.
@Razi Khan : Not all overseas Pakistanis are stupid like like you to protest for an unconstitutional action. Let me assure you there are a good number of Pakistanis abroad whole are patiently and silently observing this circus created by IK and TUQ. They will be on the first plane to PK for supporting a counter-coup if these stooges disrupt the system. And no, we don't need NS to pay us for comments either, unlike IK going rate of 5000 per motorcycle (those that never showed up)
Nobody is challenging democracy, sir. People are challenging YOU! And you are not synonymous with democracy, sir. Your leadership and focus on governance is exemplary. Can you please clarify how many times you attended parliament since taking oath? Why have you delayed making merit-based appointments in state institutions?
Sindh Assembly was first one to pass resolution in support of Pakistan, our forefathers sacrificed to make this country, now seeing current turmoil and bad governance, our heart bleeds.
We support Imran Khan's demand for electoral reform and his efforts for free and fair elections are laudable. However, we are not supporting IK's demand No 1 that PM must resign. It is unfair and it seems a scripted plan. However, for the betterment of Pakistan, Military should not intervene, Let democracy learn and evolve, and wish that IK succeeds in establishing transparent electoral system, and PMLN Govt must be given enough space to govern and lead Pakistan, if they wont perform, they will lose next general elections.
Till next elections, PTI Govt focus on KPK, PPP Govt in Sindh must improve governance and PMLN should focus on whole Pakistan as they are Federal Govt. Pakistan Paindabaad!
@LHR What's the rate for writing praises about PML-n. I'm seriously short of cash need some quick money!
Dying shrieks of a wounded circus lion! So pathetic and painful to watch.
NS is not the PM for remaining 4 years of this term but Inshallah next term as well. Anrchaists and haters come and go....and 'both' the haters will go very soon
Long live Pakistan. long live Nawaz Sharif
"Democracy" in which your and Zardari's children are being groomed as next rulers and in which you all have been minting billions by day.
Those calling for the resignation of the PM do not know what is happening here. A long preparation took place to get the PTI going by bring together establishment related and prompted personages like, Shireen Mazari, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and IK who has close links with the establishment. Since NS did not bow before the establishment all this exercise is to twist his arm. Realize, if he goes, Pakistan would always be run be unseen forces. One may not like NS for whatever reason, but if Pakistanis want their government to be run by those that they see as their rulers (not the hidden ones), they should support his govt now and whoever wins the next elections. This does not mean that there should be no electoral reforms before next elections. Yes, there should be and every political party must have true representation there. But though the past elections were less than perfect, the overall the results would be the same. Hence, the results should be accepted and let the nation move forward, please.
My dear Pakistani Brothers and Sisters I beg your pardon for poking my nose in your internal problem but every second or third person ask the PM to go but no body tells but will happen after resignation of the PM if fresh elections are held these will be held under the supervision of the Present Election Commission and the Govt employees who hold the previous elections what is the guarantee that the elections will not be rigged and elections will be free and fair.
I would also like to call upon all Pakistani's living abroad. Hold protests outside the Pakistan Consulate or Embassy to help build international pressure. You don't have to be a PTI or PAT supporter. You just need to have a heart and understand that you can help the cause.
Even if there is one person protesting outside the Pakistani Consulate or Embassy would show support. I believe our brother's and Sisters in USA have already started that. We need more pressure.
These politicians have to go, their corrupt system has to go. They denied you to cast your vote even though it is your right! you have the perfect opportunity to show your strength.
Remember they can't send their "Gullu butts" to break up these protests.
I will personally be going to the Pakistani Consulate in Vaughan, Ontario to protest this Friday. I appeal to all Pakistani's reading this in Canada to join us.
Address: 7880 Keele St #14, Vaughan, ON L4K 4G7
GonawazgoHi Nawaz Sharif ( I wouldve said Mr Prime Minister only if you had not rigged the elections)
The constitution you are so adamant to save starts with 40 articles of giving the rights to the common man. How about for a change you start with implementation of those first.
Your family has made billions of Dollars which you have invested in the west under the cover of the pseudo democracy that you have been part of. You allegations of the 2008 elections and the following years shows how both you and Zardari are in on this together.
You did not challenge the result because you know you will get your turn. But no Nawaz, I waited in the sun for 6.5 hours to vote in the 2013 elections. I won't let that go to waste!
You will have to resign and be tried for corruption, rigging elections (article 6), murder and aiding and abetting unconstitutional measures taken by ministers in your cabinet.
GonawazgoHere we go again. This person has the audacity of giving bhaashan to others, while he and his clan loot, plunder, and ransack the country, while terrorizing its inhabitants. Truth is that he and his clan is not loyal to the country. Asif Zardari was right when he commented on lack of roots of his clan and ancestors within Pakistan.
The third empire is bound to perform their constitutional duty . N. Sharif is also not in hurry . He will conrinue till he is enjoying the support at the floor of National assembly . He is still on sound footing . He is not instigating his supporters to round up the supporters of IK and Qadry due to emminant clash . Therefore he will wait till the situation become suitable for the lllrd empire to dillute the deadlock .
@sabi: another delusional dynastic-poltician's slave who would drag an army cheif without looking on his own so called Messiah's doing, who is by the way only interested in lavish khapaay and meethay on his farm house....get a life!
Imran Khan Zindabad!!!!
@Zubair Khan: Wishful thinking! He is not going anywhere because people want him to be there to expose true faces of long marchers.Rejected thugs from front doors are trying to enter from back doors in vain.
Well u calling this democracy..hahaha.
@logic minus one
hahaha!!!! only an incumbent govt supporter could call himself "logic" while speaking illogically.
what democracy rule of one family? The richest persons?
In other words, "Anyone intending to derail the pseudo-democracy which includes the 82 members of the Shareef family in the assemblies will be challenged", said the 'champion' of democracy whose party once attacked the respectable Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Master of U Turn Imran Khan will be held accountable.
Mr. Prime Minister, You and other members of National assembly and Senate should look at the meaning of democracy in any good dictionery before making statements.
@logic: NS & Democracy; a good example of Oxymoron.
If NS only implements 1% of what he preaches, things would not be this bad.
come what may....government and prime minister must not resign or go....it is imperative for the betterment of pakistan that these non sensical individuals such as imran khan at the behest of intelligence agencies are sidelined by ensuring governments are not overthrown on thier whims.
Those observing Dharna will be responsible. Imran is a very Dheet person.
Bravo NS
@Logic: Very 'logical' arguement from you! That happens when you call actions like killing 14 people or suppressing freedom of speech as 'democratic'.
Democracy means rigged elections and killing human, and yes they all are together to save democracy !
you should have to take the bold decision... You have no right to sit as a Prime minister of Pakistan. If you think you have right to sit as a Prime minister. Then defend killing of 14 persons 85 injured and also defend worst rigging in election.
In house change. That is the key. If IK thinks that they have majority of the members on their side, then they should try to bring an in house change. To say that PTI is right and everyone else is wrong is foolish to say the least and challenges the intelligence of every thinking Pakistani.
A horrible conspiracy to convert Pakistan into a fascist state is taking its last breath.They started with Taliban to weaken state institutions to the extant of anarchy so that some adventurists march in and take control of state.The group chanting slogans of change had resisted all kind of military actions against Taliban When whole nation was crying for military action.New army chief had foiled this conspiracy very successfully leaving anarchists no choice but thumping chests on streets in the name of rigging. Pakistan has survived both Prime minister and coas must be appraised for standing against enemies of Pakistan.
WOW - High Court says to file FIR against our serving PM and CM Punjab along with his 21 memebers. And now PM says Democaracy will be de-railed.
I don't want my PM to be a person who has cases of alleged Murder against him. Holding Public office comes with some moral and ethical responsibilities. Solely based on Model Town tragedy PM should had stepped down even if he does not agree with IK allegations.
Long live democracy Long live Nawaz Sharif Long live Pakistan
Jeddah calling!
The Third Empire clearly told him not to use force, stop counter rallies and resolve the issue urgently. Resignation of CM Punjab already in pipe line. If IK insisted and persisited PM might also goes on leave for few weeks. This is how things are likely to unfold in coming hours. Rest all what ever he is saying is just face saving and beating about bush.
'Anyone trying to flip my chair will be demolished'
Mr.Sharif No Democracy without fair Election take it seriously before time will slipped in your hand ..
just resign! GO NAWAZ GO! we do not wanna have a corrupt PM like you
The killers of 14 people not accountable?
so mr prime minister u would be held accountable if democracy is derailed