Rally is to inform people about his ouster, says ex-PM

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday began a two-day rally from Islamabad to his his hometown Lahore, ten days after he was disqualified by the Supreme Court for being dishonest.

He was seen off by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at Punjab House in the capital city in the morning. “I do not accept this (Supreme Court) decision but complied with the court ruling,” he told journalists in an interaction on Monday.

Mr. Sharif is accompanied by hundreds of his supporters. His party has estimated that thousands of supporters would line up on the road side to greet him.

Sources in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) said some of the senior party leaders were concerned about the security of Mr. Sharif. He has also planned to deliver speeches at important places during the rally. “Security is an issue, though elaborate measures are being taken to make the journey free of any risk,” a PML-N leader said. Mr. Sharif, however, has brushed aside all concerns and told his colleagues that it was vital to touch base with his supporters to inform them about his ouster.

Shahbaz Sharif. | Photo Credit: AP

Meanwhile, another PML-N leader said Shahbaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister’s brother and Punjab Chief Minister, will become the new leader of the ruling party. “Decision has been made to make Shahbaz Sharif as new party head but the announcement will be made later,” Raja Zafarul Haq said. The Election Commission had earlier the PML-N to find a new leader after Mr. Sharif’s disqualification.

(With PTI inputs)