JEDDAH: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan has witnessed many revolutions in its history but now revolution in the country can only come through democracy.

Addressing the Pakistan Journalists Forum here on Tuesday, he said all political and religious forces in the country were in favour of democracy and no one was opposed to it. He said that mandate of millions of people cannot be held hostage by a few thousands.

The prime minister said if there were some “misled elements”, doors of dialogue were open for them, adding the government was ready to hold talks with everyone.

‘Misled elements’ are welcome for dialogue

Without naming any political party, he said those indulging in the politics of sit-ins should come out with clear-cut demands, adding that so far these politicians had not even told the masses what their demands are.

Mr Sharif said sit-ins were “very non-serious acts” which harmed the country.

He said the government was paying full attention to ensuring political stability, economic development and addressing the energy problems in the country and all political forces were with it.

The premier said he had very productive meetings with the Saudi leadership, including King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz and Vice Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz.

He termed Khadim-e-Harmain Sharifain his brother and said the Saudi businessmen would be encouraged to invest in various sectors, including energy.

Earlier, Mr Sharif offered fateha and prayed for the departed soul of journalist Majid Nizami and said that with the passing away of Mr Nizami the nation had lost a great patriot.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on the occasion said that major economic development targets that the previous government had not achieved for years had been achieved by the PML-N government over the past few months.

Mr Dar said that on the direction of the prime minister, Pakistan’s money deposited in Swiss banks or any other bank abroad would be brought back.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2014