LGs to prove milestone in fortifying democracy: PM

LAHORE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said the upcoming local governments (LGs) will prove to be an important milestone in strengthening of democratic process in the country.
In a statement after casting his vote in Lahore on Saturday, he said democracy is the future of our nation and he has firm belief in it. He said Pakistan came into being through a democratic process. The PM said massive participation of masses in the democratic process is the proof of the belief of the PML-N in the constitution and law.
He said there is no other road to progress and development but adherence to democratic values.
Earlier, Nawaz Sharif exercised his right to vote in Lahore in Sarai Sultan area, which falls in union council 70.
The premier reached the polling station Madrassatul Banaat in afternoon amidst tight security and cast his vote.
Some opposition members present on the occasion raised slogans against the Election Commission of Pakistan and the government authorities for getting the polling station vacated and stopping the polling process for over an hour before the arrival of the PM. PPP’s Sajida Mir, a Punjab Assembly Member, staged a protest outside the polling station, chanting slogans against the prime minister. The venue was echoing with slogans of “Go Nawaz Go”, as voters joined the angry PPP lawmaker.
Meanwhile, other political leaders including Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari cast their votes in their respective constituencies on Saturday.
Shahbaz Sharif cast his vote at Metropolitan Corporation Lahore polling station. He told the media on the occasion he was satisfied with the peaceful polling process in the province. He praised the role of police, rangers and the army for maintaining law and order situation in the provincial capital. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari cast his vote for the first time in his life in Naudero (Larkana) at Mujahid Mirani Government Primary School polling station No 1 of Municipal Committee Ward No 4.
Sindh Minister for Education and Information Nisar Ahmed Khuhro also cast his vote at a polling station at Government Primary School, Khosa Mohallah, Larkana.