Only democracy can bring a revolution: Pakistani PM

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that the history of Pakistan has witnessed many revolutions but only democracy could bring a revolution in Pakistan, Dawn News reported.

Speaking to reporters in Jeddah, the prime minister said that a few thousand could not make the mandate of millions of people hostage.

He said all the political and religious forces in Pakistan were in favour of democracy with no one opposing it.

Underscoring the importance of democracy, the premier said it was the only way forward, adding that those who want change should pursue talks as opposed to taking to the streets.

The premier said if there were some misled elements, the doors of dialogue were open for them. He added that the government was ready to hold dialogue The comments from the prime minister came at a time when the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) of Imran Khan is set to launch its ‘Azadi March’ on August 14, aimed at staging a sit-in until its demands are met.

Earlier, PTI chief Imran Khan had said that the ‘Naya Pakistan’ could only be created after the people came out on the streets. “The Azadi March (from Lahore) will be a final battle to root out the corrupt and bring in a fair system in the country,” he had said.

Imran had also said that “nobody should misunderstand that the PTI is going to hold a simple public protest gathering in Islamabad”.

The PTI has been accusing the government of rigging the May 2013 elections and has demanded a recount of votes in all constituencies.

Along with the PTI, Tahirul Qadri of the Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) has also been referring to what he calls a revolution to be set in motion after Eid Al Fitr. The prime minister, moreover, said the government’s total attention was focused on ensuring political stability, economic development and addressing the energy problems in the country and all the political forces were with them in this regard.

Sharif said he had very productive meetings with the Saudi leadership including King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Crown Prince, Muqrin bin Abdulaziz and other officials.

He termed Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques as his brother and said the Saudi businessmen will be encouraged to invest in Pakistan’s various sectors of economy, including the energy sector.

Earlier, the prime minister offered Fateha and prayed for the departed soul of late journalist Majeed Nizami.

The premier said with the death of Nizami, the nation has lost a great patriot.

On the occasion, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Sharif, the government had achieved major economic development targets during the last few months, which could not be achieved by previous governments during their tenures.

He said on the direction of the prime minister, country’s money deposited in Swiss banks or any other bank abroad would be brought backs.

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