Sharif gets ecstatic welcome in Lahore, to announce new programme tomorrow

Thousands of cheering party activists and supporters greeted the caravan of ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as it reached Lahore from Gujranwala late in the night on the fourth day of the PML-N rally. Sharif told his slogan shouting admirers that he will announce a new programme on August 14.

Sharif arrived in Lahore on Saturday night, the fourth and the last day of the Pakistan Muslim League-N rally, which had set off from Islamabad on August 9, as part of his 'homecoming' trip via the ancient Grand Trunk Road.

Sharif was accorded a historic welcome in Lahore as thousands of people, party workers and supporters gathered on the streets to greet their leader and extend him support, Pakistan Today reported.

"I will never forget the love I have received on this trip. I promise to bring forth my new programme on August 14, and I have full faith you will back me when I do," he said.

The people chanted slogans and carried placards, banners and posters of the former Prime Minister.

"What am I seeing today in Lahore. I have never seen anything like this before. You made me a Prime Minister, and five people disqualified me," Nawaz Sharif said, addressing a mammoth crowd at Daata Darbar.
READ MORE

Nawaz Sharif starts 'caravan' to Lahore, thousands attend rally in support

Thousands of people attended a rally and procession in support of former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday as he embarks on a show of political power following a Supreme Court decision to disqualify him from office over undeclared assets.

Sharif launched the so-called "caravan" procession from Islamabad to his eastern hometown of Lahore, despite the concerns of advisers about security.

After being driven 12 hours surrounded by supporters showering his vehicle with rose petals from capital Islamabad to the neighbouring city of Rawalpindi, normally a 30 minute drive, Sharif addressed the crowd shortly after midnight.

"One court has given its decision, now this court will make a decision, the court of the people of Pakistan," Sharif said, asking the crowd if they accept the Supreme Court's decision, a question that elicited a loud "No" from his supporters.

"Nawaz Sharif is still our prime minister," said worker Niaz Ahmad, who wore a lion look-alike costume and chanted, "Lion, Lion!" referring to the election symbol of Sharif's political party.

READ MORE