Nawaz vows to block 'artificial' political crisis

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LAHORE:

As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gears up for another anti-government movement, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday vowed to nip in the bud any attempt to create what he called an "artificial political crisis".

The former prime minister asserted that the people would no longer allow anyone to throw a spanner in the works of national progress. He stressed that Pakistan's progress will not be derailed by "groups unfamiliar with the principles of politics and democracy".

Speaking at his residence in Raiwind during a meeting with Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Nawaz Sharif said that the Pakistani people will no longer tolerate disruptions in the country's path to development.

He further said that if the progress initiated in 2013 had continued uninterrupted, Pakistan would not have required assistance from the IMF or any external financial aid today.

"The country is once again standing on its feet by the grace of Allah, and the youth need a peaceful and developing Pakistan where they can play their role according to their potential," he said.

Nawaz urged PML-N lawmakers to actively expose elements attempting to spread instability both inside and outside the parliament. He added that these groups lacked the ability to engage in serious political dialogue or resolve matters through mutual understanding.

He also stressed the importance of PML-N parliamentarians maintaining strong connections with the public and playing an effective role in the legislative process.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui briefed the PML-N president on the party's performance in the Senate and its parliamentary strategy.

After negotiations between the government and the opposition fell apart, PTI renewed efforts to forge a grand alliance against the federal government. PTI founding chairman Imran Khan directed leaders to accelerate contact with other opposition parties for protests planned after Eid.