PML-N’s win in by-polls symbol of ‘people’s trust’

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE:

The PML-N on Sunday described its victory in the by-elections as a manifestation of the people’s trust in the public-friendly policies of the government and a clear rejection of the narrative of falsehood crafted by the PTI leadership from behind bars.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the newly elected members of the National Assembly and provincial legislatures in the by-polls.

In a statement, the premier said the victory of the newly elected members of the PML-N in the by-elections was a manifestation of the people's confidence in the party.

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people who had voted for the PML-N in the by-elections.

“We assure the people that they we will not leave any stone unturned in their service. We will try to fulfill their faith in us with full honesty and hard work,” he added.

PM Shehbaz observed that along with the visible signs of economic improvement, the change in public opinion was also becoming noticeable.

“The success of the PML-N candidates is a public acknowledgment of the government's service in restoring the economy, reducing inflation, and improving foreign relations,” he added.

He continued that with economic improvement and increase in relief for the people, public opinion would further change in the future.

The premier noted that forecasts of economic improvement by international financial institutions, news agencies and surveys also had a positive impact on public opinion.

He added that the negative political behaviour of the opposition after February 8 this year – the day of the general elections -- had also left its supporters and the people confused and disappointed, apparently referring to the PTI.

The premier noted that losing and winning was part of the electoral process and it was a democratic attitude to adopt the path of political cooperation instead of hurling accusations.

“Flaws and objections in the electoral process can only be removed through mutual cooperation and political dialogue.”

In a video message, Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar said the preliminary results of the by-polls had validated the fact that the people of Pakistan firmly believed in the leadership of the PML-N.

“They fully welcome the people-friendly policies of its government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” he added.

He said the economic reforms implemented by PM Shehbaz as well as his team had given a hope to the people, who had shown their trust in the government by voting for the PML-N.

The minister credited his party for kicking off the journey of economic stability in the country by curbing inflation and increasing foreign reserves.

Tarar said the people had rejected the “false” and “misleading” narrative of the PTI, whose leadership was allegedly conspiring against the country from behind the bars to achieve its ulterior motives.

“[The PTI leadership is] issuing statements from prison that seriously damages the credibility of Pakistan at the international level,” he added.

“The ‘anti-state narrative’ is further pushed through these false statements.”

The minister maintained that the people had rejected the PTI founding chairman Imran Khan’s “politics of hatred, chaos, division, falsehood and hypocrisy”.

He continued that the performance of the PML-N governments in the Centre and in Punjab spoke volumes and had truly manifested in the form of the results of the by-polls.

“The PML-N stood victorious in most of the by-polls today,” the minister said, vowing that the government was aggressively taking measures to restore the stature of the country at the international level and provide relief to the people by stabilising the economy.

He paid tribute to the people for standing by the “truth” and burying the narrative of “falsehood”.

He expressed his gratitude to the Almighty for the PML-N’s success in the by-polls.

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the PTI’s “bullying” would not be tolerated in any case, adding that the “murderers” of PML-N activist Muhammad Yousaf, who was killed in Narowal, had been arrested.

In a statement, CM Maryam offered her condolences to the family of the slain PML-N activist.

She said turning politics into hatred and personal enmity was a major challenge for the society.

“Politics means service and reforms, not violence and intolerance.”

Earlier in the day, Yousaf, a 60-year-old PML-N activist, was killed during a clash with PTI activists in Kot Najo village of Narowal during the by-election for its constituency PP-54.

The federal information minister in a news statement also condoled with the PML-N activist’s bereaved family and condemned the PTI for the tragedy.

Tarar regretted that the PTI had resorted to violence and killing for winning the by-polls through rigging.

“Muhammad Yousaf’s sacrifice will not go in vain,” he added, vowing to bring his killers to justice.

Tarar also prayed to the Almighty to grant Yousaf’s departed soul eternal peace as well as courage to his bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

(With input from APP)