Nawaz convinced people want to be with him

ISLAMABAD: The deposed prime minister did not utter a single word against the strong establishment or any other premier state institution, expressed in cautious words anguish over his disqualification on a “flimsy” ground, dropped not even a slight hint he was on a collision course and aggressively skirted comments on “sensitive” matters during his 90-minute encounter with select group of media men.

He skipped even loaded and controversial questions asserting that he did not deliberately want to answer them. He was concerned over marring of Pakistan’s image reflected in stories and comments on his disqualification in foreign publications. He ignored the point raised by a reporter that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had been arrested after that ousted premier had led a huge procession and was later subjected to judicial murder.

Nawaz Sharif was well aware of dire risks and threats to his person during his planned travel in a cavalcade to Lahore from Islamabad, but he shunned them saying that nothing was dearer to him than Pakistan and its future. “We have to choose our direction once and for all at all costs so that the recurring dramas end.”

The former premier did not mention even once the name of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan but did refer to his sit-ins and other protests that were meant to detract the government’s attention from its massive development agenda and which damaged Pakistan.

He appeared relaxed and composed and had no signs of tension, which should otherwise be writ large on his face. At times, he passed lighter remarks and sought the opinion of journalists on setting the direction of Pakistan for good.

Among others, his daughter Maryam, Pervez Rashid, Dr Asif Kirmani and Irfan Siddiqui were present during his presser. He referred to some of them for checking certain facts. At the moment, all these personalities appeared to be his main advisers after his disqualification.

Nawaz Sharif continuously expressed his serious reservations and objections over the small ground that was made basis of his ineligibility by the Surpeme Court. But despite his strong views about the judgment, he did not mention any judge in a contemptuous tone. However, he did ask: is there any court or judge, who would hold accountability of Pervez Musharraf?

As per his values and norms, the former prime minister warmly received every journalist by standing on his chair and exchanged pleasantries. A visit to the Punjab House where press talk was held showed that it was an immensely busy place where delegations were either meeting Nawaz Sharif or were waiting for their turn to come. A large number of lawyers raised vociferous slogans when he came to address them.

The deposed premier was convinced that he was going to Lahore by GT Road as people wanted him to be with them after his ouster. He could not ignore people’s desire. Nawaz Sharif seems prepared for a long haul campaign leading up to the forthcoming general elections in 2018. He changed his mind as his journey will provide him an opportunity to do a massive electioneering and mobilization of his workers.

The ousted premier is abreast of the fact that his disqualification has tremendously benefited him politically. A journalist, who recently visited NA-120 Lahore constituency and made a report on it, confirmed to him that his ineligibility generated a sympathy wave for Nawaz Sharif.

Since the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) concluded that the development has been to his advantage, it is better to exploit it by going to Lahore via the GT Road. Nawaz Sharif mostly talked in broader terms about an ideal situation that he wanted to create in consultations with different relevant segments of the society where unconstitutional interventions cease and Pakistan always remains on the democratic trajectory. His focus and thrust was on having and strengthening democracy in Pakistan like several countries that have no dispute about the system of government they have.

His emphasis was on constitutionalism, rule of law and reconciliation and not on confrontation with any state institution. He strongly believed that Pakistan’s salvation lies in democracy and not in any other system that is not acceptable in any country of the world. He was sick and tired of ceaseless “dramas” being played in Pakistan against even the elected prime ministers.