Maryam’s aides 'getting threatening phone calls of massive crackdown’

Development comes hours after PDM third power show in Quetta

Hours after the protesting opposition parties' Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) third power show in Quetta on Sunday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz has said that people around and close to her were "getting threatening calls from unknown numbers".

"People around and close to me getting threatening calls from ‘unknown numbers’ saying, after today’s speeches, you should all get ready for a "massive crackdown". People of Pakistan, please make note. Putting it here for record sake," Maryam, daughter of convictied former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, wrote on her official Twitter handle.

People around and close to me getting threatening calls from ‘unknown numbers’ saying, after today’s speeches, you should all get ready for a ‘massive crackdown’. People of Pakistan, pls make note. Putting it here for record sake.

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) October 25, 2020

 

Amid heightened security measures owing to a threat alert issued by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta), the 11-party PDM held its third rally in Balochistan capital city.

In a reference to the case against Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Maryam, during her speech, said that standing in Balochistan she can’t help but remember the contribution of Justice Isa’s father Qazi Muhammad Isa – a prominent politician who was among several leaders to have played an important role in the Pakistan movement.

She said, “A case against this great man’s son, who is the only judge from Balochistan among existing Supreme Court judges, was "shameful”. Maryam said the apex court's detailed judgement on the case was an answer to those who filed the case.

The PML-N leader went on to express solidarity with the Baloch students protesting for the restoration of scholarships at the Bahauddin Zakriya University in Lahore. She had earlier met them in Lahore on Friday after they arrived at the provincial capital on foot from Multan on Thursday.

Addressing the event via video link from London, Nawaz Sharif said he was pleased to see the number of people who had turned up at the event. He said the presence of such a huge crowd means "nobody will be able to trample over the sanctity of vote".

The PML-N supremo said, “The time has come to change our destiny, God helps those who help themselves.” The deposed premier went on to add that the people of the country have now come out to bring change.

Remembering the late National Party chief Hasil Khan Bizenjo, Nawaz said the leader was in his thoughts. He also paid homage to the former's politicians, appreciating the strong principles that he stood for.

The three-time premier once again censured the incumbent government citing inflation. "I know that the current government's ineptness and anti-people policies have made it difficult for a common man to afford two meals," he said. "I have heard that sugar is being sold at Rs110 per kg, and flour at Rs70 or more per kg," he added.