: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stuck to his guns on Friday when he reiterated that the PML-N government would not compromise the role of Parliament and the Constitution in the country. “This tradition of dharnas will fade away after this unsuccessful attempt to topple the government,” the prime minister said, while addressing the joint session of Parliament. Referring to the ongoing sit-ins being staged by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) in the capital, Nawaz advised protesters to devise a new strategy. The prime minister began his address on Friday shortly after the National Assembly speaker adopted a unanimous resolution against the sit-ins. “Despite hurdles, the government is still willing to solve problems through dialogue,” said Sharif, while highlighting the damage caused to the country from the sit-ins. “Today the Chinese president is in India, when he was supposed to be here, in Pakistan,” said Nawaz. Rigging allegations Nawaz also took several jabs at PTI chief Imran Khan and protesters in Islamabad. “I had gone to meet Imran after the elections and he didn’t mention anything about rigging. I don’t know why he had this epiphany after six months.” The prime minister went on to add that the plans of nefarious elements in the country have been foiled in Parliament and the people responsible will have to face a public court to explain their actions. “No long march or short march can derail us from our mission of upholding democracy,” the prime minister said, adding that the government has been patient for the past five weeks when it comes to the sit-ins being staged on Constitution Avenue, but it feels the pain of women and children being used as human shields,” he says. The premier went on to add that international observers also termed the elections free and fair to a large extent and protesters didn’t have much of a case when it came to rigging allegations. “For the first time in the country, computerised systems were used for voting and an ECP officer was appointed — which the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had also agreed to,” said the prime minister. “He [Imran] has not given any proof [regarding the rigging allegations],” he added. Parliament’s role The premier also took time to commend parliamentarians, specifically the opposition leader, for the role they have played during the current crisis and their unwavering support for democracy and rule of law. Nawaz also expressed gratefulness to members of civil society and the media for exposing those who were trying to plot against the state. Further, the prime minister said the prevailing situation has made Pakistan a laughing stock in the world. “The Supreme Court had given an order for the protesters to clear Constitution Avenue. However, they remained outside the Parliament House for days,” he said. Opposition’s unbending support Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah once again backing the incumbent government said democracy and Parliament are here to stay. “Only Parliament has the right to decide who will be the prime minister, a few thousands cannot stage a sit-in and force an elected prime minister out of power,” he added. Echoing the premier’s grief over the postponement in the Chinese president’s trip to Pakistan, Shah stated, “The presidents of China and India will visit Pakistan.” The leader of opposition alleged the economy is suffering greatly because of the sit-ins and appealed to the protesters to end the “politics of dharnas.” “Now, the opposition jirga will only talk to party chairpersons,” Shah said referring to the ongoing talks with PAT and PTI chiefs to resolve the current political impasse.

• published: 19 Sep 2014
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