Burying differences: PML factions all praise for each other

Leaders from PML-N, Likeminded spoke at inauguration of Kashmala Tariq’s hospital initiative

LAHORE: In a first-time show of support for each other, leaders from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Muslim League-Likeminded appeared together at the inauguration of the Lahore Cantonment General Hospital.

PML-N Senator Pervaiz Rashid was all praise for Likeminded leader Kashmala Tariq, whom he described as the “driving force behind the hospital”.

Rashid added that while other people set up hospitals with public funds and later used them for their political ends, Kashmala had no such motives.

The PML-N senator, while referring to the need for effective healthcare, said the Punjab chief minister has made efforts to reduce the menace of dengue and has increased medical facilities.

Kashmala also spoke on the occasion, saying she had pursued the hospital project with dedication since its foundation stone was laid in 2005, because she wanted to fulfil her grandmother’s wishes for local residents to have access to a hospital in the area.

The Likeminded leader said people needed honest leadership which would strengthen democracy, and said there was only one such person – Nawaz Sharif. She added that the Muslim League had “created the country and would save it as well”.

Kashmala also criticised the government, saying it was not enough on its part to announce a public holiday. She said her party would continue its protest till the US withdrew the blasphemous movie from YouTube and other web links.

PML-N MNA Saad Rafiq called for a change in the “corrupt government” through the ballot.

MNA Pervaiz Malik from the same party emphasised the need for hospitals in the wake of last year’s dengue outbreak. The 50-100-bed hospital will cost Rs50 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2012.