Nawaz links amendment in Constitution to progress of Pakistan

LAHORE: On the 70^th Independence Day of the country, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday said that we have been ignoring the rule of law and democratic norms since the creation of country. 

Paying a visit to Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum, he said that we did not learn anything from the history, adding that the rulers invented the doctrine of necessity while abandoning the democratic norms after Qaud-e-Azam’s demise.

“Are we celebrating the 70th Independence Day with delight?” he asked.

Recalling the separation of East Pakistan, he said we would have been happier if separated part of Pakistan was with us, adding that the country is facing issues due to constant insult to public mandate.

Laying emphasis on rule of law, he said Pakistan came into being through democratic struggle and power of vote under leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. “If we had respected the sanctity of the vote, we would not have to see this day,” he lamented.

Deposed PM asserted that it’s a high time to turn the country back to its right path, envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam, adding that the vote must be given respect.

He further said that he initiated countrywide development schemes in first four years of his tenure as PM. “We ended load-shedding, generated job opportunities, and led the country to progress. We will continue to serve the 200 million people of this country even if we have to amend the constitution,” he added.