Sharif cancels speech at rally

PDM will hold another consultation to decide if the former premier would address future rallies or not

KARACHI:

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was scheduled to address opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) rally in Karachi on Sunday via video link from London but he suddenly decided against it, spurring speculations as to what compelled the PML-N supremo to pull out of the event.

PDM sources claimed that Sharif could not deliver his speech because of the hurdles created by the government.

The leaders of the alliance discussed whether Sharif should address the rally or not and it was decided that he should not do so for now.

They will hold another consultation to decide if the former premier would address future rallies of the PDM or not.

Sharif had criticised the military leadership while addressing the PDM’s rally in Gujranwala. The federal government has expressed serious reservations over his remarks and Sharif was subjected to severe criticism.

Sources said some leaders in the PDM have suggested that the PML-N should soften its stance and limit its criticism to the federal government.

PPP Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari and ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan were unable to participate in the Karachi rally due to illness.

PML-N central leader Mushahidullah Khan said the government had nothing to do with Sharif not addressing the rally.

He added that the PML-N supreme did not deliver his speech because of a sore throat  and he would address the future rallies of the alliance.