Nawaz to remain PML-N leader: Ahsan

LAHORE: Federal Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said India was threatening to conduct surgical strikes into Pakistan while internal ‘surgical strikes’ were being carried out against the parliament and the government. Talking to reporters after a conference ‑The Role of Mysticism in Establishing Harmony and Peaceful Coexistence ‑ at the Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), he stressed that there should be no confrontation among institutions as the enemies of the country were upset over the economic progress and development of Pakistan. He said the external forces wanted unrest in the country and united for this purpose. To a question about the PML-N party head, he said the Central Working Committee would decide about the interim party head within seven days while the regular president of the party would be elected within 45 days.

He said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was soul and spirit of the party and could not be separated from the PML-N. He said the PML-N was founded by Nawaz Sharif and he would remain its leader.

Meanwhile, the three-day conference concluded at the LCWU. Addressing the concluding ceremony, Ahsan urged Pakistanis to come out of depression and feel confidant, saying that Pakistan was today more safe and peaceful and an emerging economy. He congratulated the nation on revival of international sports in the country.

He said Pakistan was spending maximum resources on education and sending its students for PhD abroad.

He said though technology converted the world into a global village, it also created gulf among individuals, but mysticism taught to respect and love each other.

LCWU Vice Chancellor Dr Uzma Qureshi and others also spoke.