Nawaz Sharif is sadiq and ameen, says Maryam during NA-120 visit

LAHORE: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter, Maryam Nawaz, said her father is both sadiq and ameen (truthful and honest). 

Addressing a gathering of party workers after inaugurating PML-N's office in NA-120, she questioned if the voters were willing to accept the Supreme Court's decision to disqualify her father, in response to which the audience chanted in negation. 

The former premier's daughter said her father remained quiet for four years but [political rivals] are uncomfortable now that he is speaking up for himself. 

"Promise that you will vote for my mother, your mother...Kulsoom Nawaz," she said, expressing her confidence that the 'lions of Lahore' will come out to 'roar' in support of PML-N in the upcoming NA-120 by-polls. 

Maryam initiated a tour of the NA-120 constituency on Tuesday as part of the election campaign for her mother's by-election.

Maryam's first stop was at the Daata Darbar, where she offered prayers and said her father, Nawaz Sharif, will leave for London on Wednesday to care for ailing mother Begum Kulsoom Nawaz.  

She added that she would also leave for London after the election campaign. 

Speaking at the Sufi shrine, Maryam said her father is speaking after a long time and people should have the patience to listen to him.

Prior to the start of her visit, a cleanliness drive by the local administration was started in the constituency. 

Maryam, who is handling the campaign while her mother and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidate for the by-poll, Kulsoom Nawaz, undergoes treatment for lymphoma in London, will inaugurate an election campaign office in the area.

Preparations were made to receive her at Mozang Chungi area of Lahore.

Maryam’s husband, MNA Capt (retd) Safdar, also accompanied her during her visit to the constituency.

In order to make arrangements for the event, 500 chairs and carpets were placed at the venue and the otherwise unkempt locality was given a major makeover. 

By-election on the seat left vacant after Sharif’s disqualification by the Supreme Court on July 28, will be held on September 17.

A total of 44 candidates will contest the NA-120 by-poll.

The Election Commission of Pakistan will establish 220 polling stations and 573 polling booths where the constituency’s 321,786 registered voters can cast their vote.