LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that derailing of democratic system on Oct 12, 1999, was a heinous conspiracy to hamper the progress and prosperity in the country and the nation is still facing its consequences.

In a message on Sunday, he said those who hatched the conspiracy against the democratic system on Oct 12, 1999, had been rejected and elected representatives were now engaged in public service.

The chief minister paid tribute to PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, party leaders, office-bearers, workers and other political forces which fought against the rule of Gen Pervez Musharraf.

He said Oct 12, 1999, was a black day in the country’s history as a dictator had toppled a democratically-elected government on the day, adding that military regimes had caused great loss to the democratic system in the country.

He claimed that had the democratic system not been derailed, the country would not have faced serious problems such as terrorism, load-shedding, price-hike and unemployment.

He said that some opportunist elements under the patronage of the military dictator had indulged in massive corruption and plunder of national wealth.

The chief minister said that solution to all problems of the country lay in the continuity and stability of democratic system which was free from corruption, nepotism and loot.

He said that had development projects started during Nawaz Sharif’s previous government not been stopped by Gen Musharraf, the country would have joined the rank of developed countries.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2015

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