Islamabad: Highlighting the supremacy of democracy, freedom of speech and independence of judiciary ahead of the two-mega anti-government rallies on August 14, the day Pakistan celebrates its 68th Independence Day, its Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that he will not allow Pakistan to become a ‘jungle where the law of ‘might is right' holds vogue'.
“We will not let a handful of elements hold hostage the mandate of millions of people of Pakistan,” the Premier said in televised speech to the nation.
“We have the confidence of 180 million people. We will not allow national decisions to be taken on the roads and streets. We will not allow anyone to spread anarchy,” he added.
“We believe in democracy, and I respect the right to peaceful protests. I will not pose hurdles for peaceful protests,” he said, adding “The 2018 elections will take place as per schedule.”
“The media needs to reassess its role. They need to check if certain elements are trying to misuse the media for their nefarious goals.”
Meanwhile, the Premier also made an attempt to extend an olive branch to his opponents by announcing to set up a commission of Supreme Court judges to probe the charges of rigging in the last year's elections.
“I will ask the Chief Justice of Pakistan to appoint a three-member panel of judges of the Supreme Court to probe the allegations of rigging in the polls,” Sharif said.
The announcement came just one day ahead of the protests planned by Canada-based Pakistani cleric Tahirul Qadri and cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan on August 14. While Qadri's 'Inqlab March' is for toppling the government for its anti-poor policies and corruption, Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) ‘Azadi March' is against the electoral fraud in last year's general election which was won by the PML-N.
Sharif further criticized his rivals for the protest which coincides with the 68th Independence Day of Pakistan. He said that they want to derail the train of progress by challenging the government through rallies.
“Around a hundred channels oversaw the 2013 elections, and no observer claimed that the elections were unfair. It was even said that, despite some issues, this is perhaps the most transparent election,” the Prime Minister said.
Sharif also said that during his 14-month rule, the county has been put on the road to progress. He also mentioned several projects of energy and infrastructure being undertaken by his government.
“In the past 14 months, the nation has moved forward in terms of currency value, foreign investment and economic growth. The smooth transition from one democratic government to another democratic government is a sign of progress,” Sharif said.
“Are these protests occurring because there are no corruption scandals since this government took over? Are they protesting that the Pakistani Rupee has appreciated? While we have started to progress, some elements are intent on destabilising the country,” Sharif opined.
The Prime Minister further said that his government is ready for talks with the rivals to sort out problems.
“Government is ready for all sorts of talks for political and economic reforms,” he said.
