Nawaz says NA-120 vindicated him by re-electing Kulsoom Nawaz

LONDON: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said the people supported his stance during the recently conducted by-polls in NA-120.

Nawaz was speaking to the media after holding a meeting of PML-N bigwigs in London.

The former premier also said that the people adopted and fully supported his stance during the GT road rally and provided him with complete support and added that he saw people's support for his stance from Islamabad to Lahore. 

Referring to reports of PML-N worker going missing before the by-polls, Nawaz said he has asked the premier to look into the matter and conduct an inquiry into the incident.

PMLN has alleged that at least eight key officials – many of them in leading positions in PMLN locally – were kidnapped by force by unknown men to stop them from taking part in PML-N's election day activities in Lahore. 

Some of them have returned home and some remain missing today. Its widely believed that these officials were picked up because they were playing a leading role in the election campaign of Kulsoom Nawaz

Answering a question about the well-oiled and sectarian-oriented election campaign of two candidates, Nawaz Sharif said such precedents were dangerous for Pakistan and democratic forces.

He said the entry of proscribed organisations into electoral foray received media coverage which he had seen and so did everyone else.

“This is dangerous for Pakistan and a matter of huge concern for all of us, it should worry all of us, it is particularly dangerous for Pakistan. Pakistan can not afford such things because the situation can take an unexpected turn,” he said.  

When asked about his stance on his disqualification on Iqama by the Supreme Court, Nawaz Sharif said there was no change in his stance. Nawaz Sharif has openly criticized his disqualification, terming it vendetta and political victimization. 

Earlier, after his meeting with Nawaz, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that democracy won in the NA-120 by-polls after his meeting with Nawaz Sharif in London. 

The NA-120 seat fell vacant after Nawaz was disqualified at the Supreme Court's behest on July 28. The Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) stood victorious in the face of tough competition from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after it won the by-poll in what is considered the party's 'home-seat.' 

An important meeting of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) bigwigs with the Nawaz was held today.

According to latest reports, Nawaz and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar continue their discussions while other PML-N leaders have left the premises. 

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi along with other PML-N leaders assembled at Hussain Nawaz's office for the meeting earlier today. 

Chief Minister of Punjab Shehbaz Sharif is also scheduled to meet Nawaz when he reaches London later today. 

Speaking to reporters, Hussain Nawaz said his mother Kulsoom Nawaz’s health had undergone three surgeries and required prayers to recover.

When asked by a journalist if he would go to the court, Hussain replied they had always done so.

Senate bill paves way for Nawaz Sharif to regain PML-N chairmanship

Amendment suggested by Aitzaz Ahsan was rejected by a margin of one vote

The meeting will bring under discussion the country’s political situation and court cases against the Sharif family, among other matters. Important decisions regarding party leadership are also expected to be undertaken during the meeting.

Nawaz Sharif is in London to be with his wife Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, who is under treatment for throat cancer.

The Senate on Friday passed the Electoral Reforms Bill 2017, which paves the way for Nawaz Sharif to again regain chairmanship of PML-N. According to the bill, every citizen will have the right to be part of a political party, except those in government service, and will also have the right to create a political party.