Back and forth over martial law

Nawaz Sharif reacts to Altaf Hussain's call for martial law - says martial law supporters are enemies of Pakistan.

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Mian Nawaz Sharif stated that in the prevailing circumstances, the country cannot brave another martial law.

The PML-Chief while addressing the media outside Ganga Ram Hospital said:

Anyone who wishes for a martial law in Pakistan, can not be a Pakistani. Only the enemies of Pakistan can and will wish for a martial law, as Pakistan can not brave another martial law

Nawaz Sharif was visiting the Lahore suicide blast victims, on Monday. He said that the menace of terrorism could only be defeated with unity, as anti-state elements wanted to destabilize the country.

Sharif also pointed out that the pace of relief work being done by the federal government was very slow.

‘I have personally directed PML-N leadership and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to continue relief efforts till rehabilitation of every affected family in the flood-hit areas’ he said.

Responding to a query, the PML-N chief clarified that the country couldn't afford another martial dictatorial regime as the Musharraf era had left the country in a bad state.

He also emphasized that the government had been unaware of the intensity and havoc that the floods had caused, which is why the government’s flood relief efforts were very discouraging.

Nawaz Sharif's anti-martial law statement comes in response to the recent calls made by MQM chief Altaf Hussain calling for a 'revolution' and invited 'patriotic' generals to take martial law-like steps against 'corrupt' politicians.