PML-N lashes out at 'anti-govt' rallies

E-Paper | July 25, 2026

LAHORE: Leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) on Sunday lashed out at the 'anti-government' rallies being taken out by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Awami Muslim League (AML) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) in the federal capital city today, DawnNews reported.

Addressing journalists during a seminar on the freedom of press in the country, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif after stating the achievements of the current government, termed the anti-rallies being staged as against the country's development and requested PTI chief, Imran Khan, to have mercy on the nation.

Terming the rally as 'ball tampering', since according to him, Imran Khan was staging a rally against a democratic government before the end of its tenure, he added that if Khan was willing to vacate his palatial residence then he too would be willing to leave his large residence.

The CM Punjab also extended an invitation to Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri asking him to leave Canada and settle down in Pakistan.

He said that PAT chief was himself enjoying a cool breeze while the people were made to bear the sweltering heat out on the roads of Pakistan.

On the other hand Federal Information Minister Pervez Rasheed, criticising the PTI in cricketing terms, claimed that Imran Khan wanted to enter the finals without playing the quarterfinals and added that the party wished to have its own umpire in the finals.

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Youth

May 11, 2014 03:48pm

Instead of accepting the results of the last election, PTI, PMLQ & other aggrieved parties should have staged rallies to discredit the results then. PTI & others should now concentrate on forcing the government to deliver good results. A strong opposition to the government's governance should be the take off point now. Criticizing the manipulation of last election at this point will not bear fruits. Pressure the government to do things right.

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dr junaid tipu

May 11, 2014 03:57pm

oh......the lord of Mayfair speaks up.........for the poor and downtrodden in Pakistan

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James Zatonski

May 11, 2014 03:59pm

It is sad for Pakistan that the leadership does not take moral high ground. Comments of Chief Minister are cheap points scoring. World knows that the elections were rigged. World knows that judiciary in Pakistan does not function - functions for those in power only. One sincerely hopes that Imran and others will not give up - enough is enough - corruption has to be fought and should not be tolerated. For shahbaz to say that Imran leave his house and then He will - just shows the level of these tyrants. Makes you sick that the poor country has such people in charge of it.

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Imran

May 11, 2014 04:33pm

Jab sher ho to darrna kya!!!!

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riaz

May 11, 2014 05:15pm

Imran Khan is No different .....remember what he did to Fauzia K... Not saying that PML-N is any good....

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Tariq, Lahore

May 11, 2014 05:18pm

@Youth - This protest is anti rigging protest and not to topple the incumbent government. And when you have 'friendly' opposition in the form of PPP who did absolutely nothing in their 5 year tenure, then protest is the only way to get address to ones grievances in a corrupt country's systems!

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salman

May 11, 2014 05:22pm

Wasn't shahbaz sharif leading rallies against PPP govt just over a year ago? Looks like pmln can dish it out but not take it!

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Kulsoom Fahad

May 11, 2014 05:51pm

PML-N please have mercy on the people of Pakistan. Stop rigging elections, stop filling your pockets, stop corruption, stop filling positions with your relatives, revamp election system, hold fair elections. You and your cousin PPP have made enough money. Please leave us alone and go to Dubai and London where you can live for the rest of your life with the money stolen from the people of Pakistan.

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Israr Khan Ismailzai

May 11, 2014 05:59pm

Too bad Mr. "Sharif", no more of the " friendly opposition". Also remember when you were protesting against loadshedding?? Stop fooling the people.

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Ganga Din

May 11, 2014 06:11pm

Chief Minister Punjab: Well Done. You have to come out swinging and this type of unreasonable anti-government sentiment needs to be dealt with effectively.

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ANWAR SYED

May 11, 2014 07:33pm

Pakistan Federal Information Minister should perform a better job rather than criticizing political leaders.

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iftekharhussain

May 11, 2014 11:22pm

He should realize that their indulgence with Hamid Mir was like the urdu proverb, 'taboot ki aakhri keel'.

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khan

May 11, 2014 11:49pm

Instead of blaming Khan,just accept his demands,if you are real winner then why you are scared of that.No you want to continue the same old version of so called Democracy.And that is who ever is more corrupt and powerful to rig the poles,should be able to win the election.This nation will not let you do this anymore.

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Munir Varracih

May 11, 2014 11:52pm

It appears that Pakistan's leadership are least bothered about the common man's problems. Punjab's CM will not vacate his palatial residence until Imran Khan does it. Which means there is no principle involved. Its like children quarreling "if you do this I will do that".

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Iqbal Khan

May 12, 2014 12:39am

@Israr Khan Ismailzai Sharifs (or Shorafa) are surviving their last chance (In Sha Allah). People are aware and are fed-up of these status quo politician. If they are truthful, why don't they accept the recounting of only four constituencies votes and sustains delay by hook or by crook to complete their tenure. They may understand that counting of votes means their sudden political collapse because all these four related to their top leadership who occupy important ministries. If they are loose, it means the recounting may spread to other areas, and possibly there would be a widespread demand of mid-term election in the country.

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Youth

May 12, 2014 01:29am

@Tariq, Lahore I support IK's point but this should have been done immediately after the rigged results were announced. The stamina with which IK protested for a seat in Karachi should have been broad based. IK is on record accepting the results then to fertilize democracy. Dr. Qadri held the ground with his protest upon non fulfilment of his just demands his party boycotted the election. Leadership is all about timing.

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Husain Jan

May 12, 2014 06:43am

None other than our PM saheb said only recently that peaceful protest is ok. So don't understand these outbursts and accusations that they are out to derail the democracy.

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habibullah

May 12, 2014 08:45am

@Youth ! keep it up youth era is begin and Imran Khan is raw in politics however he is honest and serving his duty as a honest opposition leader. Comes next election more young politicians would be unearth so keep it up.................

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