News Analysis |
Prior to Pakistan’s former Prime Ministers’ arrival, people were in skeptic as to the nature of the supporters’ reaction. It was predicted that indeed they would take to the streets; however, following Nawaz’s verdict, shadows of doubt had been created.
The rally started around 3:30 pm from Lohari Chowk and finished on Allama Iqbal Road after the completion of eight hours. Thousands of PML-N workers participated in the homecoming rally.
The former premier, Nawaz Sharif and his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, were arrested on Friday night, 13th July 2018, upon their arrival at Lahore.
Despite being summoned by the court, this father-daughter duo couldn’t make it to the last hearing of the Avenfield Properties case, due to Kulsoom Nawaz, Nawaz Sharif’s spouses’ health.
Read more: Welcoming Nawaz Sharif is our legal and constitutional right: Shahbaz Sharif
They arrived at Lahore, Friday, from London via Abu Dhabi. National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team, took them in custody from the aircraft, as officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) confiscated their passports.
“By returning to Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif has proven that he is right. Now, in return, it is your responsibility to vote for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates, on 25th July”, said PML-N leader, Shahbaz Sharif, while indulging in a conversation with party workers, late night, Friday.
Previous reactions of the PML-N had put the rest of the public in a phase of confusion, as they expected much more, as to what should happen when such a big leader gets sentenced to such a long imprisonment.
This unyielding verdict should have compelled the PML-N supporters to take the streets, long ago. However, it seems like they were waiting for their leaders’, arrival.
Despite the lockdown and street clashes, PML-N supporters had taken the streets and proved that their support remains with Nawaz Sharif, said, Shehbaz Sharif. In addition, he shared the opinion that, now, such strength had to be shown on 25th July, on the polling day, for Nawaz Sharif’s release.
hMoreover, PML-N president expressed gratitude for the supporters by stating that even though NAB court had announced its decision, however, today the people of Pakistan have given their verdict by welcoming Nawaz Sharif with open arms. And that Nawaz Sharif had left behind his ailing wife in London, for the sake of giving Pakistan a better future.
Indeed a good amount of people showed up for the rally, led by Shahbaz Sharif and other party members following him on containers.
Rally
Read more: Nawaz Sharif can destroy country for personal interest, claims Imran
Tensions were building up as Nawaz’s arrival was predicted. Following his arrival, roadblocks and arrests were in order. The caretaker government had been warned at the hands of PML-N, that this party would protest, in case fair and free elections weren’t contested.
“Lahore has roared against injustice, today.”- President of PML-N
Lahore district administration had declared in the morning, that former ruling party’s public rally to be illegal on the pretext, that they had not obtained any prior permission from the government, in a prescribed manner.
PML-N was warned by the Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC), that if any unexpected incidents were to happen, as a result of the public rally. Looking at the consequential nature of security conditions, PML-N was strongly recommended not to hold any rally. However, the rally took place, and that too with zeal and zest.
Other orders, included the interim, Punjab government issuing house arrest orders for various senior party leaders, including Shahbaz Sharif, Hamza Shahbaz, Khawaja Saad Rafiq and Khawaja Imran Nazir.
The former premier, Nawaz Sharif and his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, were arrested on Friday night, 13th July 2018, upon their arrival at Lahore.
Despite the orders being generated, they couldn’t be implemented, as most senior party members had gone underground in order to avoid these arrests. They emerged at Lahori Chowk following the Friday prayers.
Indeed a good amount of people showed up for the rally, led by Shahbaz Sharif and other party members following him on containers.
Read more: Nawaz Sharif annoyed at failure to mobilize people following his verdict
The rally started around 3:30 pm from Lohari Chowk and finished on Allama Iqbal Road after the completion of eight hours. Thousands of PML-N workers participated in the homecoming rally.
Sources state, that around 29 PML-N workers were injured during the rally, near Shahdara area as a clash emerged among the party members and the police force. Further, it was stated that PML-N supporters were stopped at Ravi Bridge as well, following an arrest of some supporters from Gujrat.
“My resolve cannot be shaken and I am ready to be arrested,” Sharif gave statements, on his return to Pakistan. Both father-daughter had been shifted to Adiala jail, Friday night, as a prediction for a protest rally on Saturday are under concern.