Addressing party's supporters moments after Hamid's was run over by the vehicle, captain (retd) Safdar said, “Millions of people rendered sacrifices during Pakistan’s creation [too]".
He added: “He was our child; if he joined [the rally] for Pakistan, [then] God bless him."
The boy's father reportedly suffered a heart attack after finding his son lying on the road. The nine-year-old was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Railways minister Khawaja Saad Rafique went a step ahead, saying "the deceased boy was the first martyr of our movement.” He, however, expressed grief on the death, saying party leaders will arrive at his house to condole on the loss.
Similarly, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanullah refused to accept that the boy was killed by any vehicle part of Nawaz's convoy, saying he may have died "after being hit by another car".
'Support for entire life'
Meanwhile, Nawaz told supporters in Gujranwala that he will visit house of the victim to offer condolences.
"I am deeply saddened by this accident, which has deprived us of one of our best workers who had come to see us," the former premier said. "Sadly, he is no more with us."
Imran takes a jab at Nawaz for addressing 'dwindling crowds' at 'homegoing' rally
"I will personally visit his house and assist his family for their entire life and offer them whatever I can," the former premier maintained.
The former PM's daughter Maryam Nawaz also reacted, saying, "Heart bleeds for the little PML-N supporter who lost his life today. May Allah grant sabar to the family."
Heart bleeds for the little PMLN supporter who lost his life today. May Allah grant sabar to the family.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) August 11, 2017
Other reactions
Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the incident, saying it was regrettable that vehicles in the ousted PM’s convoy had hit and killed the boy.
Lamenting the child's death, Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah said "Nawaz is organising rallies without thinking enough about the people".
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shireen Mazari tweeted: "Sick! First PMLN rally car kills 5 yr boy - then Saad Rafiq & Capt Safdar call the poor child a shaheed for their "cause"! No repentance."
Sick! First PMLN rally car kills 5 yr boy - then Saad Rafiq & Capt Safdar call the poor child a shaheed for their "cause"! No repentance
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) August 11, 2017
Social media reactions
People also denounced the incident, and the subsequent reaction of the ruling party's leaders.
Let not your heart bleed you brazen murderous lot!
— Salimah (@Salimah4truth) August 11, 2017
Model Town, now this!#QatilNawazLeague
Bleeding heart doesn't do much to bring the boy back. Punishment needed but punishment is a unique concept amongst Pakistani politicians.
— Mir Mohammad Alikhan (@MirMAKOfficial) August 11, 2017
It has taken several hours for your heart to bleed. Is it due to familial low IQ, insensitivity, lack of basic human decency or arrogance?
— Imran Hasan (@imranhb3) August 11, 2017
"Hit and run" is a crime. I hope the culprits will face justice.
— Muhammad Idrees Qazi (@idreesmqazi) August 11, 2017
So sad incident, Any one from Sharif family should visit his home without waisting any time
— Shakeel Ahmed (@shakeel_ahmed9) August 11, 2017
May Allah forgive our sins & bless us with rulers who care about the needy & suffering classes Ameen
— Mehr (@Mehr_N_) August 11, 2017
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