Voices of dissent emerging in PML-N

Party workers put up banners asking for Nawaz’s resignation

LAHORE: Over the last few days, banners have reflected the political atmosphere in Lahore.

Streamers set up by workers, once inscribed with slogans talking of shedding blood at the drop of a hat for their ‘Quaid’, Nawaz Sharif, are now calling for his resignation. The party workers that installed these streamers asking for the PM’s ouster were threatened, ridiculed and abused by other members of PML-N.



Over three dozen banners stating “Mian Saab janay do-Mian Shehbaz Sharif ko anay do” were placed on Mall Road, Gari Shau and around the press club by two PML-N activists Hafiz Tariq and Qaiser Raza from NA 119.

Soon after these banners got the electronic media’s attention, they were immediately removed from sight. Hafiz Tariq, one of the names mentioned in the banners, claimed to have held a general secretary's position in PA-141 back in 1998. Talking to The Express Tribune, he said this was not only his voice, but that of the masses.

He said Nawaz Sharif should step down after all the money laundering allegations to save the party and let Shehbaz Sharif replace him. He was not available for any further comments. Qaiser Raza said they received innumerous threats from party workers across the globe. He asked why the workers cannot have a voice on the matter. “After all, this is a political party."



He said he received at least four calls from UK, threatening him and Hafiz with dire consequences. The party worker claimed to have also received a call from a person claiming to be Captain Safdar.

On the other hand, these dissenting PML-N workers also got calls from fellow activists who appreciated their efforts to raise a voice. Qaiser claimed many in the party share their opinion, but lacked the audacity to voice their concerns. He claimed some activists even spoke up at workers’ meetings, but dared not utter a peep in front of party leaders.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 24^th, 2017.