LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif has said that politics of revenge has been defeated, while inflation and economic depression will have to be overcome.

He was speaking to party leaders and former parliamentarians who called on him on Sunday to discuss issues related to preparations for the upcoming general elections, the party’s Sindh chapter’s organisational matters and electoral adjustment with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

Those who called on the PML-N president included Bashir Memon, Sardar Ayyaz Sadiq, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Sheikh Rohail Asghar, Hanif Abbasi, Khwaja Salman Rafiq, Farrukh Altaf, Basit Bukhari and Imran Qureshi.

The former premier said that political stability would solve problems of the economy and the people. “Elections are very important to save the people from inflation and other problems.”

He said said that with the grace of Allah and help of the people, the party would win the polls and defeat inflation.

Referring to the PTI tenure, he said that valuable time and resources of the nation were wasted in politics of abuse and character assassination resorted to by the previous ruling party, which targeted the masses and the country.

Meanwhile, potential candidates for seven National Assembly and 14 Punjab Assembly seats in Lahore were interviewed at the party’s central offices in Model Town.

Ex-federal minister Khwaja Saad Rafiq, who was on the interviewing panel, told the media that interviews for Lahore division candidates would continue on Monday (today) as well and final selection of the nominees would be made by the parliamentary board of the party.

Responding to a query about PML-N leader from Sialkot Daniyal Aziz’s controversial remarks on a TV channel, he said Mr Aziz must not have brought the affairs of the party in the open and should have raised the issues at some internal platform with the leadership. He, however, downplayed the issue, saying that difference of opinion is a normal thing in the political parties like the PML-N.

Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt congratulations on Sindh Culture Day to everyone celebrating this vibrant occasion.

In a statement, Mr Sharif said, “Today, colours of the Sindhi soil are celebrated with traditional enthusiasm and fervour across the globe. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage that Sindhi people proudly embrace.”

“Sindh is not merely a region; it is a land of hosts, benevolent people, mystics, and faqirs. The diversity and warmth of its people make Sindh truly special,” he added, expressing his admiration for the iconic Ajrak and Sindhi cap.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, the PML-N president said it reminds of centuries-old traditions and cultural values.

Chief organizer Marym Nawaz Sharif also extended greetings to the people of Sindh saying Ajrak, Sindhi cap and Dastar (turban) are symbols of Sindh and Pakistan across the globe.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2023