Nawaz Sharif played a key role in strengthening Pakistan’s defence: singer Waris Baig

• "Pakistan saw progress at an unprecedented level under Nawaz's govt," says Baig.
• Singer says condition of Pakistan has "worsened" in the last few years and "people miss Nawaz Sharif’s era." 
• He believes that it was important for people from opposing ideas to meet each other. 

LONDON: Legendary pop singer Waris Baig on Tuesday said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif played a key role in strengthening Pakistan’s defence by defying international pressure to carry out Pakistan’s atomic blasts in relation to India.

Baig was speaking to the media outside Hasan Nawaz Sharif’s office after meeting the former prime minister. The singer was accompanied by PML-N leader from Faisalabad Sheikh Muhammad Yousaf.

Baig recalled that Nawaz had taken him to the Chagai test site on May 28, 1998 where he had sung a patriotic song after Pakistan went nuclear.

“That is the biggest memory of life to have travelled with Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan’s nuclear scientists to the blast site. The kind of patriotism I witnessed then was an unreal experience and nothing of the sort have I experienced before or after. There is no doubt that Nawaz Sharif demonstrated extreme courage and bravery against the international pressure and threats and showed real leadership," he said.

Answering a question about his role in facilitating meetings between PTI's disgruntled leader Aleem Khan and PML-N leadership, the pop star said that Pakistan has seen enough polarisation and it was important that people from opposing ideas met each other for harmony to lessen hate and misunderstandings.

“I have friendships with people from all backgrounds and I have always tried to bring people together where I can," he added.

Baig said everyone agrees that under Nawaz's government, Pakistan progressed at an unprecedented level and those eras of development have not been seen otherwise.

“Pakistan today needs a new charter of democracy and economy where all stakeholders could come together to move forward. Politics aside, the common people of Pakistan are in a lot of pain today due to inflation and other issues related to the economy and bad governance. The condition of Pakistan has worsened in the last few years and people miss Nawaz Sharif’s era when there was prosperity and progress," the singer said.

Baig — a graduate of Government College Lahore — made his name with the release of his album “Music 89” and became an instant sensation.

He became a household name with the start of his playback singing career in 1997 from Syed Noor's film “Sangam”. He has not released new songs in several years now but his film songs remain popular and relevant.