LAHORE: Mohtarma Maryam Nawaz Sharif mesmerised crowds gathered in Minar e Pakistan for Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) biggest jalsa to date in Lahore.
Exhuming her traditional awami style of politics, Mohtarma Maryam Nawaz Sharif addressed the people of Lahore in a frank manner, winning praise from political insiders who have dubbed her the biggest crowd-puller of Pakistan.
Reflecting solidarity with her guests from other provinces, Maryam Nawaz said that Lahore and Punjab would be an equal sibling to Kyber Pakhtunkhua, Balochistan and Sindh.
Unprecedented scenes of political unity were witnessed when Maryam and Bilawal, who represent different political parties and whose fathers have been at odds with each other in the past displayed trust and cooperation between each other.
“I have found out that the media is getting calls and instructions to say that the rally has failed. We know from where these calls are coming from. But even enemies know that Lahoris have made history in today’s jalsa in Minar e Pakistan,” Maryam said.
Lashing out at the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf (PTI) government and the change it represented which started from a massive public rally in 2011, Maryam Nawaz said that Lahoris had buried that change.
“Always remember Imran Khan, Mr Tabedar (compliant), it seems you know who is Tabedar, and to whom he is Tabedar. Remember that Nawaz Sharif will not give the wheat thief an NRO,” Maryam Nawaz Sharif roared to the crowds which erupted in a frenzy after she used the word “Tabedar”.
Maryam Nawaz also urged people to wear masks whenever they came to her rallies.
Upping the ante against Prime Minister Imran Khan, Mohtarma Maryam Nawaz Sharif said: “In 2011, Imran Khan did a rally. The people know who faciliated that rally, the then ISI chief, General Shuja Pasha, the people know very well.”
“And then in the 2013 elections, when you lost badly, you understood that you will not become prime minister through the people’s votes but your compliance will lead you to the Prime Minister House,” Maryam Nawaz said lashing out at Imran Khan.
A controversy was made when several news channels reported that the rally venue was empty, with CM Punjab, Usman Buzdar taking a dig at the PDM sharing a video of empty spaces at the rally.
Punjab government sources claimed to the The Pakistan Daily (TPD) Investigations Desk that the rally was attended by around 25,000-35,000 people while the PML-N claimed that at it’s peak over 100,000 people were present in and outside Minar e Pakistan.
Independent sources claim that at least 40,000 people attended the jalsa.
But I had told everyone that this how incompetent he would be. I told him to how miserably he would fail & how his fame would be damaged. But Pakistanis rarely listen to sincere guidance https://t.co/1lUGEWtNq8
— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) December 13, 2020
In an exclusive conversation with The Pakistan Daily, Mohtarma Reham Khan said: “Pakistan needs strong women role models. Maryam Nawaz has shown more courage than most men in our political landscape. She represents the modern progressive face of Pakistan where women aspire to break the chains of patriarchy. Her confidence is infectious & is winning hearts & minds of Pakistani voters.”
She added: “While PTI are free to comment on the size or impact of today’s event but Maryam’s winning smile suggests she was happy with how things are going.”
Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated the fact that he would not give an NRO to the opposition.
“Pathetic. PDM spent so much money, time, effort & displayed utter callousness by endangering ppl’s lives during COVID19 spike – showing the scant regard they have for citizens’ safety & well-being. All this just to blackmail me into giving them an NRO to save their looted wealth,” Prime Minister Imran Khan said.
The PM added: “Let me once again reiterate: I will never give an NRO. Whatever future plans of further blackmail PDM may have, my message is categorical: There will never be an NRO from my govt no matter what tactics the looters devise.”
