ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Tuesday that the federal government has decided to form a commission under three Supreme Court judges to probe into rigging allegations pertaining to general elections held in May last year.
Sharif was addressing the nation on Tuesday with an aim to take nation into confidence on current political situation and also to present the government’s performance before the nation.
In his address, the prime minister asked that after the Supreme Court commission, is there any need for any protest, long march or agitation?
Sharif said that some elements are on agitation with hollow slogans, the nation wants to ask about their objectives. He said that the nation wants to know the reason behind their protests, is it against stability in rupee value, increase in growth rate?
The prime minister questioned that why such elements want to push Pakistan towards poverty, terrorism and backwardness? Why are these people willing to drag Pakistan into poverty and darkness?
Sharif said that he and his family were not allowed to return to Pakistan for seven years, yet they participated in 2002 general elections. He said that they were reduced to 15 seats in 2002 but yet they remained steadfast and did not make rigging allegations.
Nawaz Sharif said that his and his younger brother Shahbaz Sharif’s nomination papers were rejected, but yet they made no hue and cry, and observed patience.
“There is no monarchy or dictatorship in Pakistan,” the prime minister said.
The prime minister said that their doors are open for every kind of talks and dialogues with any political party. He said that they welcome dialogue for all political, legal and national matters, and are ready for talks with all stakeholders.
“We believe in democracy, respect the right of peaceful protest,” Sharif said. However, he added, that no one would be allowed to take system hostage, preach killings and hatred as well as spread anarchy.
“Handful of elements will not be allowed to take hostage of millions of voters,” he said.
Sharif said that he does not have any ego, and he believes in democracy and respects right of peaceful protest if held in limits of law.
In his address, the prime minister further said that the media should review its role in wake of the current situation and should not be allowed to play in hands of certain elements.
Sharif said that the entire system is being challenged on basis of baseless allegations of rigging.
