Nawaz restrains party workers from chanting anti-Imran slogans

E-Paper | May 15, 2026

LAHORE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday discouraged Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) workers against chanting slogans against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri.

During greetings after Eid prayers at Raiwind, the prime minister met with party workers when a large number of them started chanting slogans against the leaders of PTI and PAT.

"The nation is witnessing what [they] are doing and what [we] are delivering," PM Nawaz said to them.

Know more: Viral slogan makes Hamza Shahbaz go

The premier also directed workers to focus on the rehabilitation of flood victims so that their miseries could be reduced. He also issued directives for the redress of complaints of affectees.

The PTI chairman had earlier announced to mark Sept 19 as the 'Go Nawaz Go' Day. During his rally in Mianwali, Khan said there was nothing wrong in raising slogans of 'Go Nawaz Go'.

Know more: Ban on viral slogan sought

Last week, PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz also had to cut short his speech at a function when irate students stood up chanting 'Go Nawaz go' while reacting to his mention of the Islamabad sit-in.

Moreover, a writ petition had been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking a ban on the slogan 'Go Nawaz Go'.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Pakistan

PM Shehbaz lauds 'historic' Pak-China ties in meeting with Chinese business delegation

Barbs fly in Senate over PTI founder’s health, access to political prisoners

11 Pakistanis, 20 Iranians aboard US-seized vessels repatriated, says DPM Dar

jami

Oct 06, 2014 03:30pm

Good man. But by the way, imran has no portfolew in government. Anti imran slogan has no meaning mr. Nawaz.

Recommend 0

A Jan

Oct 06, 2014 03:38pm

What other choice does poor Nawaz Sharif have anyway?! Seriously, just come to think of it how is it even practically possible for one to raise an anti-Imran slogan. At the Dharna: No. In KP: No, At an event where PTI representative is presiding: Also impossible! Poor PM

Recommend 0

Qamar

Oct 06, 2014 03:46pm

The nation is witnessing what they (IK-QADRI) are doing and what we are delivering. Just tell the nation what are they doing. People know they are peacefully trying to dislodge the corrupt government. Now what you are doing, everybody knows. Corrupt police, corrupt governmnent employees, no electricity, no water, poor roads, PIA not flying, dirty roads, traffic jam, and nobody is taking any actions. The mentality is WHO CARES.

Recommend 0

NHM

Oct 06, 2014 03:49pm

In case no one has informed you, your party workers including Sabir shah were actually shouting "Go Nawaz Go"

Recommend 0

Parvez

Oct 06, 2014 03:55pm

Smart move.........because it would backfire onto you.

Recommend 0

z khan

Oct 06, 2014 03:55pm

Good step by NS,avoid policy of agitation and anarchy like IK.

Recommend 0

syed zahid hussain

Oct 06, 2014 04:04pm

well verse politician with experience do the same.politician is public property he has passion and face the public bravely.So the democratic system never derailed.Politicien safe democracey always

Recommend 0

Shafiq khan kakezai

Oct 06, 2014 04:13pm

@Qamar Sir , it is not clear if you want your party prejudices projected or want to make a meaningful comment. If you are a judious person, then compare all issues you raised with that in the area where PTI is ruling . It would be an eye opener and very educational. Politicians are politicians do not get worked up with things they want to highlight. Use you head!

Recommend 0

z lodhi

Oct 06, 2014 04:33pm

I guess NS tends to forget that he is the prime minister

Recommend 0

Haider Rehman

Oct 06, 2014 04:44pm

Kitne masoom shakal bana kar keh rhe hain. Earlier your party workers threw stones at peaceful Long March and attacked Mehmood Qureshi's home. Actions speak louder than words... GO NAWAZ GO!!!

Recommend 0

ghuman

Oct 06, 2014 04:59pm

I request pakistani,s to notice thier country have gone down very fast in last few years as they had the worst leaders that you can get.if they don't do something,things can get even more worse.a concerned pakistani in overseas.

Recommend 0

JAMIL A SATTI

Oct 06, 2014 05:07pm

@Qamar what about IK plots against sovereignty of Pakistan. How a normal man in KPK life standard has been elevated. IK has not plan for service of poor people. He is trying and crying for his protocol and power. How he has served IDPs and Flood effected people? Only slogans does not work for the development of a Country. He is definitely working on a given agenda. He is trying to introduce Music and dance culture, that's what is dharna is. May Allah protect Pakistan "Aameen"

Recommend 0

Kashif

Oct 06, 2014 05:30pm

Yeah, lets just ignore IK and concentrate on looting, sorry meant leading, the nation.

Recommend 0

Asif A. Shah

Oct 06, 2014 06:04pm

A reformed Nawaz Sharif! Redemption is welcome whenever it comes. Nawaz Sharif who engineered an attack on the Supreme Court of Pakistan has come a long way. In contrast to what PTI workers have done against Javed Hashmi, Nawaz Sharif's message to his workers has touched my heart. However, I still think that a mid term election should take place. In addition, it must be fair election.

Recommend 0

Majid

Oct 06, 2014 06:09pm

"What we are doing". What Is NS referring to. Where is this long list of achievements. Does this man really believes that?

Recommend 0

qaiser

Oct 06, 2014 06:19pm

Let them chant what they are chanting and you concentrate what you are doing. Do your job premier and ballot box talks louder than holganistic chants. Just ignore as you have been doing for 2 months. Anger and frustration are an expression used by loosers. Keep ignoring!!!!

Recommend 0

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Oct 06, 2014 06:34pm

Good policy.

Recommend 0

Real Truth

Oct 06, 2014 06:56pm

@qaiser Very well said!!! In all fairness, IK/TUQ FAILED miserably in realizing their nefarious designs!!! One came to get PM's resignation, ended up submitting his own. The other came to replace the current "corrupt......." system, ended up choosing to become part of it!!! Go, figure :-) So, these guys are totally frustrated, and need a lollipop -- something to latch on to! And if Go Nawaz Go slogan helps mitigate their pain, why not? Let them do it ......... Besides, ONLY in Pakistan, the slogan Go ..... someone .... Go is interpreted as having negative connotation. In the Western world, people shout "Go ..... someone .... Go" slogan when they want to encourage someone, and show their support. Hence, more reason for NS to IGNORE the ignorants!!!

Recommend 0

Real Truth

Oct 06, 2014 06:58pm

@jami Its spelled "PORTFOLIO" :-) Please, don't forget, his party governs one province, called KPK!!!

Recommend 0

Jamal

Oct 06, 2014 07:01pm

Political maturity

Recommend 0

Canadawala

Oct 06, 2014 07:03pm

@NHM Go means to carry on in the western world.

Recommend 0

Qamar

Oct 06, 2014 07:18pm

@Shafiq khan kakezai , I do not belong to any party and I did not say you vote for Imran or Qadri. I am retired and settled out of Pakistan. I was born in Karachi in 1939. Left Pakistan for higher education in 1973 and worked overseas but visited Pakistan every year and sometimes twice or thrice a year. But since last 5 years, don't feel like coming to Pakistan in this atmosphere. Karachi was the most beautiful city with nice and clean beached. People were well mannered and educated. Some people have destroyed my beautiful country and you tell me to use my head. May Allah bless my Pakistan. And one advise : always keep cool mind. Regards.

Recommend 0

Anon

Oct 06, 2014 07:27pm

@Asif A. Shah Has it touched your heart? What about the several people who suffer because of his govts rampant corruption? Does that touch your heart or not?!

Recommend 0

Dr. Sadaf

Oct 06, 2014 07:48pm

Oh really, why is he trying so hard to be big hearted?

Recommend 0

Socrates

Oct 06, 2014 07:55pm

What he means is that chanting slogans is for the poor masses. We use Gullu Butts, Punjab police and bullets.

Recommend 0

sunny

Oct 06, 2014 08:02pm

We want to see Imran khan as new PM of Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Ali

Oct 06, 2014 08:23pm

Go Nawaz please enough is enough. Please save some respect for saudi visit.

Recommend 0

Save pakistan

Oct 06, 2014 09:02pm

I think this person did not learn anything from his past. In my personal opinion, he is a dull person. We are unfortunate to have rulers with no vision like Nawaz, Zardari, Raja Pervez Ashar etc. As a nation, we must be ashamed of this.

Recommend 0

Azad Khial

Oct 06, 2014 09:10pm

Dear PTI, instead of gloating at these empty slogans, ask your leader a couple of simple questions: 1. How much has electric power theft and non-collection of bills been reduced in KPK since PTI took over? 2. How much has provincial tax collection (GST etc.) increased in KPK since PTI took over? 3. How does he plan to finance the ambitious welfare schemes he keeps talking about (free high quality education, free high quality healthcare, reduction in power tariff, reduction in prices etc. etc.) especially without foreign aid and loans? Oh yes...he will magically eliminate corruption (ask him how?) which will abracadabra solve our myriad developmental issues and we will all live happily ever after in Naya Pakistan. There ought to be a difference between a political manifesto and fairy tales.

Recommend 0

Bilal

Oct 06, 2014 09:18pm

@Qamar PTI and PAT want dead bodies that which NS is not going to give them. Left PTI today for PMLn after this statement from NS. Imran Khan is not even half the man NS is after today.

Recommend 0

Bilal

Oct 06, 2014 09:22pm

@Parvez A true leader does not stoop low even when his arch rival does. The Almighty likes this as well.

Recommend 0

Real Truth

Oct 06, 2014 09:23pm

@Dr. Sadaf 'cuz he is NOT a 62-yo stubborn spoiled kid!!!

Recommend 0

Bilal

Oct 06, 2014 09:23pm

@z lodhi To the contrary he remembers and is hence correcting the wrong of his party workers.

Recommend 0

Zong

Oct 06, 2014 09:30pm

@Dr. Sadaf because he is unlike Imran Khan who keeps.stooping to new lows everyday.

Recommend 0

Jawad

Oct 06, 2014 09:38pm

@Real Truth Spoiled kid? That's not him. That's bibi Maryam. NS is just his highness, 1/2 king of Pakistan ---- 1/2 because the other half is Zardari.

Recommend 0

Jawad

Oct 06, 2014 09:50pm

@Bilal The Almighty also says to fight the corrupt , provide justice , don't kill innocent people and so on.

Recommend 0

Ayaz Bader

Oct 06, 2014 10:09pm

He should not restrain, all the political parties should ask their workers to teach a lesson to these PTI workers and supporters as enough is enough is now. This drama is prolonged too much now

Recommend 0

Merchant

Oct 06, 2014 10:17pm

Rather than putting bans on freedom of speech and expression, Nawaz should do SOMETHING GOOD FOR THIS COUNTRY that would shut his opponent's mouths. People will be grateful if Nawaz Family & Friends & In-laws and Zardari & Son & Jiyalas would bring home even 10% wealth they gave deposited in Swiss and other foreign banks.

Recommend 0

Merchant

Oct 06, 2014 10:20pm

@Qamar unfortunately the only thing that is flying is bullets killing thousands innocent people at random and destroying decent households. They are known killers and not "Namaaloom Afraad" but they will not be caught due to political reason.

Recommend 0

Dr. Sadaf

Oct 06, 2014 10:50pm

@Zong, he can stoop so low and give orders to fire at point blank range at innocent people, and stoop so low and take our tax money and increase his own wealth. Wow he is really so great.

Recommend 0

Dr. Sadaf

Oct 06, 2014 10:52pm

@Real Truth, I am disappointed that you people cannot see whose stubborn behavior has destroyed the country.

Recommend 0

Bilal

Oct 06, 2014 11:07pm

@Jawad yeah but what makes u think Imran can fight the corrupt whem he himself is surrounded by staus quo

Recommend 0

Khwaja

Oct 06, 2014 11:11pm

This is good, however it's not enough Sharif Sb. You need to do much more, days of sitting back and enjoying the ride are over, it's a different ball game, and you need to adapt fast.

Recommend 0

Danish Haider

Oct 06, 2014 11:36pm

I don't whose words about whom: "When in power; Grabs the collar" "When feels weak; Even kiss the feet" Readers are requested to improve transliteration.

Recommend 0

Reader

Oct 06, 2014 11:45pm

PM knows that his workers slogans wouldn't work with only hand full of paid chanters like PPP. A joke!

Recommend 0

Ashraf Mirza (USA)

Oct 07, 2014 12:10am

As I mention before also that, PM Mr. Nawaz Sharif is a gentleman, and best PM for people of Pakistan and for Pakistan. Any other PM order arrest warrant for both clown Qadri and Imran let them serve time in JAIL , than deport Canadian CLOWN QADRI back to Canada, and never allow him to return to Pakistan. Imran and Qadri both are DHANDHLEE-BAZ They have nothing to do, but people are wasting time . Sincerely, Ashraf Mirza (USA) ashwmirza@yahoo.com

Recommend 0

malick

Oct 07, 2014 01:09am

Mr. PM just carry vote audit in those 4 constituencies of your home city and provide justice to PTI, not a big deal, since you and your PMLN is not doing that, every Pakistani is considering U and your PMLN dishonest, injustice and rigged government, rigged parliament, through rigged election by ROs. At this point other than Pakistanies, the global communities are marking rigged election. Which constitution and which democracy U and opposition leader are saving, when COAS and ISPR is no danger to democracy. Ur dishonesty and corruption is directing the people to PTI and PAT for justice and jobs. Look at LOC India is killing Ur nation and U are dreaming for doing business with India, U are presenting sarries to India.

Recommend 0

Khan

Oct 07, 2014 01:24am

I respect your response,that shows your personality is superior to everybody in politics at present.I have a friendly advise.Believe me if you come on TV,and announce that you are resigning for welfare of poor people of Pakistan,not because you have political pressure .Because all know that parliament is standing behind you.And announce early election.But let everybody sign that once they participate in this election,they have to accept the results of election.I am telling you,your party is going to win in all provinces. Good luck Mr.PM

Recommend 0

Real Truth

Oct 07, 2014 03:04am

@Dr. Sadaf LoL Well, my humble argument is based entirely on the FACT -- hint: a 62-yo kid woke up one day, and realized that his 62nd birthday was approaching fast, and that he needed to become PM like pronto! He then let his delusions get the better of him, and started hurling accusations of election rigging (sans proof, I might add). This followed a carefully managed secret rendezvous with TUQ. As the Chinese proverb goes, "my enemy's enemy is my friend", IK & TUQ became brothers, and decided to demand PM's resignation, or ELSE!!!!!!! If we want to call ourselves a democratic country, you cannot bully an elected PM into resigning! Obviously, if NS is not willing to accept IK/TUQ's unlawful demands, then in your eyes, NS is stubborn :-) Its like a kid demanding his parents to get him an airplane, and if they don't, based on Dr. Sadaf's logic, his parents are guilty of being stubborn :-) Let's just agree to disagree!

Recommend 0

Yusuf Jan

Oct 07, 2014 03:32am

Mian Sahab - smell the zira! You cannot hide behind a facade of gentlemanly and democratic conduct! This is a game changer and you need to fight this one out! Better come out swinging with boxing gloves on - and with a few good moves! You don't say - Pehlay aap pehlaay aap - in musical chairs?

Recommend 0

Faisal

Oct 07, 2014 03:40am

@Asif A. Shah my God! You are unbelievably gullible if you think NS has reformed.

Recommend 0

Faisal

Oct 07, 2014 03:41am

@Dr. Sadaf He has no other option!

Recommend 0

Vikas Rehman

Oct 07, 2014 04:17am

Raise as many slogans against PTI and IK as you want Mr Nawaz. But please start paying your taxes in full and set an example by offering your and your family assets to full independent audit. What I find funny is people sending notices to IK when he accuses them of something. These people are fully aware that their notices are extremely unlikely to bear any fruit in Pakistan. Yet when the likes of BBC show documentaries about their corruption, they stay quiet, even though justice will be served if they sue such corporation. Or maybe justice simply doesn't serve their interests.

Recommend 0

Azam Khan

Oct 07, 2014 05:43am

@z khan good advice to your corrupt leader, because slogans against PTI or for that matter IK won't work. They will make no sense. 1) He is not corrupt. 2) IK is not in the government.

Recommend 0

Yusufzai

Oct 07, 2014 06:07am

The one big change by Imran khan is people are reacting to every negative step by the government and it should happen always not when the dharma is finished. Keep them under scrutiny if they do wrong show them mirror because our justice system is retarded one, only people can bring the change.

Recommend 0

Jawad

Oct 07, 2014 07:16am

@Real Truth Go Nawaz go ----- Well Pakistan is not your western world. Is it? Here go means go. So live with it.

Recommend 0

Arshad A Patel, W.Chester,Oh, USA

Oct 07, 2014 08:02am

@Azad Khial Can you ask our VETERAN LEADERS Mr. Shahbaz Sharif and Mr. Qaim Ali Shah the same questions ? What have these VETERAN LEADERS done for their Provinces in the past 15/20 years other than looting the national treasury and increasing agony/misery of the common/poor people ?

Recommend 0

A Pakistani

Oct 07, 2014 09:56am

Right, we know what they're doing, but we don't know what you're delivering.

Recommend 0

Akib

Oct 07, 2014 10:07am

@Haider Rehman and your party abuses Geo and raided PTV, throwing shoes at a bus whose main goal is agitation should expect no less.

Recommend 0

Aik_Paki

Oct 07, 2014 10:07am

@qaiser Yeah continue your loot and grab of commission. You will be remembered for your corrupt Government.

Recommend 0

Akib

Oct 07, 2014 10:10am

@Real Truth they govern it but only in name.

Recommend 0

Akib

Oct 07, 2014 10:15am

@Azad Khial I completely agree don't forget to mention that their own ministers carry fake degrees and carry on the position of their dead family members, and PS-93 was rigged by PTI no less

Recommend 0

Akib

Oct 07, 2014 10:18am

@Zong while Imran khan discovers new u-turns day by day.

Recommend 0

Guest

Oct 08, 2014 03:58am

Nawaz - your a total failure...

Recommend 0

fakhir

Oct 08, 2014 04:30am

@Ayaz Bader dear, I understand your concern. But I will say the premier should show restraint because we cannot afford a street fight in Pakistan. These PTI supporters are not bad; but they have been fooled. NS strategy to respond by action is correct. It will take time but will work at last.

Recommend 0

Lucke Star

Oct 08, 2014 04:48am

Oye Imran, if you were Captain when Pakistan won gold medal, then NS was PM when Pakistan won Nuclear match with India, and now Pakistan is proud nuclear power of the world but Pakistan is a loser in the cricket field.

Recommend 0

fakhir

Oct 08, 2014 07:09pm

@A Pakistani ok, so start counting, before dharnas, dollar rate brought to 98 from 112, corruption reduced (ranked 127th by transparency instead of 139th previous year), EU granted us special trade status, foreign direct investment increased (ranked 97th in FDI friendly list instead of 106th previous year), fx reserves increased to 13 bn USD from 10 bn USD previous year, fiscal deficit reduced, inflation contained at about 8 PC, Eurobonds successfully auctioned, 3 G 4 G successfully auctioned,funds received from KSA, ADBP,dozens of power projects launched, Karachi killings reduced, drone and terrorist attacks reduced, zarb e azb successfully launched with entire nation onboard, if all this can be done in 1 year, we can reach far ahead in 5 years. However, all this is now reversing due to dharnas, we have already lost 34 bn direct investment from china, dollar has climbed to 102

Recommend 0

Branded Content

K&N's SmartCooking Recipes: Creamy Tawa Wings with Boiled Rice

Creamy spiced combo wings cooked with tomatoes and aromatic spices served hot with boiled rice.

Pakistan’s first premium plug-in hybrid E-SUV officially hits the roads as Chery Master begins Tiggo 9 PHEV deliveries

This accelerated rollout is backed by the manufacturing strength, operational capability and over 60 years of industrial and automotive legacy of Master Group.