Show of popularity: Sharif says people power is final authority

Former PM says he still doesn't understand why he was removed from office

LAHORE: [fbvideo link=" https://www.facebook.com/etribune/videos/2036060483077634/"][/fbvideo]

Deposed prime minister and the newly-reelected President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday hailed his wife’s victory in a by-election last month as proof that the people were the final authority in the country.

Addressing a workers convention of NA-120 constituency to celebrate the victory of Kulsoom Nawaz in September 17 by-election and the reelection of Sharif as the party president, the former premier said the NA-120 by-election win would change destiny of the country.

“You have proven that final decision is yours and that the people give the final decision,” he told a charged crowd of party workers. “If the spirit shown in the by-election remains intact we will win all the elections in the country. The victory in NA-120 will change the destiny of the country.”



In his speech, Sharif repeated his earlier statements that the Supreme Court’s decision of disqualifying him can be overturned by the people. “I did not take salary from my son, and that was the reason I was slapped with a decision of disqualification,” he said.

Sharif recounted achievements of the PML-N government under his premiership, saying the party was fulfilling its promises made before 2013 election. “Our party has managed to complete power projects in the shortest possible time to fulfill our promise of a load-shedding-free Pakistan,” he said.

“Not only we reduced load-shedding but we will also bring down the tariff,” he went on. “It is the PML-N government that brought down fuel prices from over Rs100 to Rs60-70. You don’t see any lines at CNG stations anymore. We have managed to bring [daily] life and lights back in Karachi,” he added.

Addressing the convention earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif suggested Sharif to kick out those from the federal Cabinet who were involved in changing the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat oath in the election reforms bill. He added that on Sharif’s instruction, the clause was being immediately reversed.



Shehbaz Sharif told the workers that the PML-N bagged victory in the by-election despite difficult circumstances. “Our victory in NA-120 has proven that the entire country is a PML-N stronghold. Those criticising us should wait for next general elections.”

Addressing his elder brother, Shehbaz Sharif referred to a popular criticism against him (Nawaz) that he did not visit the constituency after Kulsoom Nawaz’s victory in the by-election. “People of Lahore ask, why don’t you (Nawaz) visit the streets of NA-120,” he said.

On the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif also announced the establishment of 13 health centres (gymnasia). “The PML-N has managed to fulfill its promise of ending load-shedding, our workers should spread this word in the streets of the city,” he said.

Those also attending the convention included federal minister Khawaja Saad Raffique, PML-N Lahore President Pervez Malik and Punjab ministers Bilal Yaseen and Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman. Earlier Sharif visited the residence of former president Rafiq Tarar to enquire after his health.