Present democracy fails to deliver: Nawaz

PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has said the present form of democracy has given nothing to the nation, but disrespect and disrepute, and vowed to continue his struggle for the prosperity of Pakistan.
In his address at a ceremony held in connection with the Independence Day at Hazoori Bagh on Saturday, the former prime minister said, “We got democracy, but what the present ruling coterie has given to us. Every Pakistani should be concerned at this (state of affairs).”
Speaking to a huge crowd of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders and workers, he said no doubt that democracy was essential for the progress of the country, and “we will sacrifice everything for it, but we are sick of sham democracy.” He also said they would not let the sacrifices of the forefathers to go in vain, as he vowed to leave no stone unturned for the development of the country and fight against all the odds with the help of the people, and overcome all the internal and external challenges with the force of the masses.
“I remain concerned about my country and seeing your (workers’) enthusiasm I have a feeling in my heart that Pakistanis still have the same passion and spirit as was demonstrated in 1947. This can take the country forward, and is a must for saving Pakistan,” he hoped, adding that it pained him seeing today’s country. “I want to warn that it would be dangerous for us and if it continued, then what will be the future of Pakistan?” he questioned.
Nawaz Sharif came hard on the present rulers, and said the wrong policies of the present rulers had landed the country in an abyss, defaced it and derailed it from the path of progress, but his party would do whatever it took to realise the dream of a prosperous and progressive Pakistan. He vowed to end corruption, illiteracy, poverty and terrorism “since the PML-N had a track record of actualising its promises.” He substantiated his claim by mentioning 2008 general elections to get the judiciary restored after getting elected, and was done later on. “We struggled against Musharraf, but this democracy did not give us anything. They (implicitly referring to the PPP leaders) blackened their faces, and brought democracy ignominy,” he averred. He said he would not have come to the venue if Pakistan and democracy would have been progressing. “But I am here to change Pakistan’s destiny,” he vowed.
Nawaz Sharif was of the opinion that Pakistan was not created to remain under-developed and stay so, but as a prosperous nation. “We must reverse this trend of negativities. It is difficult but possible provided people are with us,” he said.
On this, he took oath from the present on the occasion, and party-workers across the country. He mentioned that he was seeking pledge for changing the destiny of Pakistan. He read out that he was making the Quaid and all people witness in front the Mazar-e-Iqbal under the shadow of the Badshahi Mosque that securing peace, justice, stability and prosperity was not impossible if impregnable 180 million people of Pakistan decided to unite, work hard, honestly and diligently and bravely. “We can put Pakistan on the road of prosperity, solidarity and self reliance,” he said, while asking the people to pledge on the 65th Independence Day that all would continue their efforts for protecting Pakistan’s ideology, materialise dreams of the martyrs and founders of Pakistan, counter corruption, nepotism, injustice and extremism with determination, ensure supremacy of law and the Constitution at any cost. “We will struggle for the elimination of poverty, ignorance, nepotism and terrorism besides actualising out duties towards defending our integrity. We will ensure equal rights among Pakistanis sans considering their cast, creed and colour. Also, we will not desist from giving sacrifices for protecting Pakistan against military dictators,” he took oath, while praying to the Almighty Allah to provide strength and perseverance.
MNA Khawaja Saad Rafique conducted the proceedings. A large of number parliamentarians and party office bearers including Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, Ahsan Iqbal, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, Malik Riaz, Mian Marghoob Ahmed, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Arifa Khalid Pervaiz, Hafiz Noman and Dr Asif Kirmani.
On this occasion, Fateha was offered for the departed souls, who rendered services during the Pakistan movement.