Pakistan’s former premier Sharif embarks on rally
ISLAMABAD: Amid fears for his safety, Pakistan’s deposed former prime minister Nawaz Sh ar if on Wednesday left Punjab House in Islamabad for his residence in Lahore via the Grand Trunk Road in a rally aimed at showcasing his popularity.
Addressing his supporters, Sharif said it was his right to go home and that no power could stop him from doing that.
A large number of supporters and party workers earlier arrived at D-Chowkin Islamabad to see off Nawaz. Before embarking on the journey, the former prime minister held a meeting with key party leaders, including Prime Minister Khaqan Abbasi and finance minister Ishaq Dar, local media reported.
While local police and administration have warned against such a public journey, Sh ar if said that he was not afraid of those who wanted to de rail democracy in Pakistan.
At the same time, inside rs said he disallowed his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, from accompanying him. Local media reported that deliberations in the party over the rally’s route continued on Tuesday, with some party circles having opposed the idea of Shari f’ s travel via GT Road instead of the motorway due to security threats. They worried that while Nawaz himself would be travelling in an air-conditioned and bomb-proof container, ac com pa- nied by his family and senior PM L-N leaders, the party’ s rankand-file would be exposed to serious security threats. The rally would be passing through Jinnah Avenue, D-Chowk, Expressway C ho wk and Mar gall a Road in the federal capital before leaving for Rawalpindivia Faizabad. Traffic on these routes would be diverted to alternate routes.
Nawaz is expected to address public gatherings at D-Chowk, Faiza bad, and some other points.