Nawaz defends bar on PTI rallies in Punjab

PML-N chief urges 'blind' PTI supporters to think critically

LAHORE:

PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has hit out at PTI supporters, likening them to "herded animals" and suggesting that, had the people truly assessed his performance, the PTI would not have had the audacity to attack Punjab.

He defended the government's decision to block the PTI from holding rallies in Punjab, asserting that those seeking to spread chaos must be dealt with "iron-fisted".

His remarks came against the backdrop of signs of economic improvement. As PTI bashing remains a hallmark of PML-N's public addresses, Nawaz Sharif, speaking after a prolonged silence, addressed the "Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar" scheme in Lahore.

Though he appeared with a written speech, the former prime minister claimed he was unprepared for the address, giving the impression of speaking off the cuff.

Throughout his speech, Nawaz Sharif kept his sights firmly trained on PTI and its founder, Imran Khan, while highlighting the accomplishments of his past tenures. He revived his old slogan, "Why was I ousted?" but conspicuously avoided mentioning Islamabad's recent constitutional amendment developments.

Nawaz urged PTI followers to hold their leader accountable. "Those who follow him blindly like herded animals should ask him about the promise of five million houses," he said. He criticised PTI's track record, accusing them of being skilled only in staging protests rather than working for the public.

"People should take stock of their anarchist policies," he added.

Without directly naming the PTI or Imran Khan, Nawaz took aim at their leadership, accusing Imran of issuing rally instructions from jail while neglecting essential governance.

"Has he ever asked the K-P government to improve healthcare, and education, or provide roofs, Kissan Cards, and other welfare projects?" he asked pointedly.

Nawaz also accused PTI of escalating violence, referring to the use of tear gas against law enforcement. "They bring tear gas shells here to injure our police jawans, tracing the footsteps of Central Asians who once attacked Punjab," he remarked.

He called on PTI supporters to question Imran Khan's contributions to K-P, urging them to see beyond the rallies and protests and hold their leader accountable for his governance.

The PML-N president also lambasted the PTI's unfulfilled promises of planting a billion trees and constructing five million houses, calling them mere rhetoric.

In contrast, he highlighted his tenure's achievements, claiming that his government ended terrorism, resolved chronic load-shedding, revived the economy, and developed infrastructure projects like the Orange Line.

"The country was on the right track until they opened a front with their sit-ins, stalling national growth," he said, recalling how he was asked to vacate the PM House by his military secretary and move to Lahore.

Nawaz also recounted Imran Khan's threats, saying "He said he would put a noose around my neck and drag me out of the PM House".

Nawaz added, "Imran even threatened the IG and other officers." He sighed and remarked, "As you sow, so shall you reap".

Resurrecting his famous slogan, "Why was I ousted?", Nawaz reiterated that his disqualification was unjust, based on not taking a salary of 10,000 dirhams from his son.

He then brought up a controversial audio clip involving former chief justice Saqib Nisar, stating, "Those who follow Imran Khan like herded animals should listen to Saqib's own words about keeping me behind bars and bringing Imran Khan to power."

It is pertinent to mention that the audio, heavily circulated by PML-N and its allied media, became a linchpin in its public case against outgoing CJ Saqib Nisar, despite its sloppy editing and patchwork assembly.

Nawaz questioned whether the people of Pakistan had sought answers from the five judges who ousted him, saying, "Honourable nations seek answers."

He argued that if public representatives had been allowed to function, every Pakistani would have a roof over their heads by now.

The PML-N leader praised his daughter, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, for launching the "Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar" project, crediting her for following his vision to provide housing for the poor.

He reminisced about the welfare schemes introduced during his first tenure and lamented how all three of his terms were cut short. "If my tenures weren't interrupted, other regions would have looked at us with envy," he said, urging the public to compare his government's accomplishments with that of PTI's.

Nawaz listed his achievements, including the construction of motorways, stabilizing the country's economy, conducting nuclear tests that fortified Pakistan's defence, launching the Yellow Cab scheme, and completing the Orange Line project.

"What do they have to show for? Dams and their so-called billion trees?" he scoffed.

He congratulated Maryam for securing subsidies for electricity, stating that the central government provided Rs60 billion, while Punjab contributed Rs55 billion. However, these figures differed from official records.

He praised the project, calling it a prime example of using public resources for the benefit of the people.

Maryam Nawaz, while addressing the ceremony, echoed her father's sentiments, calling the "Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar" project the best example of using public resources for the public good.

She revealed that the project was a massive Rs700 billion, five-year program, offering interest-free loans equally distributed across districts. In urban areas, those owning 1 to 5 marlas, and in rural areas, those owning 1 to 10 marlas, would benefit from the scheme.

The chief minister also slammed PTI for trying to disrupt peace. "Instead of focusing on arson and laying sieges, they should concentrate on building Pakistan," she advised, adding that she would not dignify their "cheap comments" with a response.

Maryam claimed that PTI's calls for protests have consistently failed to garner public support, a sign that people are wise to their "nefarious designs."

She warned the PTI against using Punjab as a battleground. "Punjab will welcome anyone with open arms, but if their intent is to injure our jawans or sow discord between provinces, they will not be tolerated."

She stated that PTI's sit-in politics was "dying a natural death" and would soon become irrelevant.

"They come to Punjab because they know that if Punjab takes off, it will mark the end of their relevance."

Maryam reiterated her father's criticism of Imran, questioning why he does not focus on improving service delivery in K-P instead of instigating unrest.

Nawaz and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz distributed cheques to the beneficiaries of the "Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar" scheme.