LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that the long march met its logical end by turning into an “Allied March”.
Talking to lawmakers belonging to various districts Friday, the chief minister said the demands raised during the march remained unfulfilled but the innocent children, women and old persons were kept unnecessarily stationed in extreme cold and rain.
He said the desires of anti-democratic forces were foiled and an attempt to derail democracy, in the name of so-called revolution near the general elections, was defeated. He said the nation wants to know as to what purpose was achieved through this long march?
Shahbaz Sharif said millions of rupees were wasted on the long march but the protagonists went away after striking a deal. He said long march holders showed an open contradiction between their words and deeds by embracing those who they had scolded earlier.
The chief minister said Tahirul Qadri, instead of striking an agreement to “save the state”, signed an agreement to “save his honour”. He said those who sit in a cozy container could be the well-wishers of the people. He said the leaders who really feel the pain of the nation had to stand with the people at the time of difficulties.
“People are the real power who can bring about change through their votes,” the CM held. He said Qadri made children and women sick through his obstinacy, while he himself remained in a cozy container. He said the whole nation knew these imported elements were leading a luxurious life when the country was facing floods and natural calamities. “Change or revolution does not come through false slogans, but through practical steps. People have rejected those who are raising false slogans,” the CM maintained.
The chief minister said the change in the country was only possible through votes, for which holding of general elections had become critically important because a fresh mandate was essential to bring the nation out of existing crises.
“The country is facing big challenges, internally and externally, and it cannot afford chaos at all. The nation is passing through a critical phase and is facing problems like terrorism, loadshedding, unemployment, ignorance and other issues, which can only be solved through general elections,” the CM added.
He said the incompetent rulers of Islamabad had placed the country in grave crises due to their corruption, loot and plunder. The Chief Minister said he has been raising his voice against the corrupt mafia, from the very first day. He said the PML-N has achieved splendid success in by-elections due to its good governance and public service in the province.
He said PML-N has become the most popular party in all four provinces and its opponents are afraid of its growing popularity.