Will Nawaz Sharif’s Speech Have Consequences For PML-N?
A clause in the pact between PML-N and Gujranwala administration bars address and participation of a convict
WEB DESK: The expected address of Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) Head Nawaz Sharif in Gujranwala today may land his beleaguered political party in another trouble due to the inclusion of a clause that bars the address of a convict to the protesters in the rally.
As per clause 11 of the 28-point agreement between the Gujranwala administration and the PML-N states that “No person of proscribed organization/convict shall be allowed to participate and address the public”.
The inclusion of the related clause may create trouble for the largest opposition party as although, Nawaz Sharif would not be physically present in the gathering but his address via video-link in today’s public meeting in the “City of Wrestlers” would breach criteria of the agreement.
PML-N Head Sharif was convicted in the Al-Azizia Steel Mill case in December 2018. However, later, the party leader was allowed to leave for London on a humanitarian basis for treatment after the personal guarantee of his brother and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly (NA) Shehbaz Sharif.
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had already banned broadcasting speeches of the convicted party head after his anti-state narrative came to the fore during his address in the All Parties Conference (APC) held last month.
It is to be seen now whether the PML-N abides by the clause or violates it. If it does so, whether the government would come into action against the opposition party or not.
Will the opposition party oppose the government’s move if it conducts an action on breach of the pact? If yes, would there be a moral ground for the opposition party to do so?
