Not one PM completed tenure in Pakistan's history: Nawaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday said that not a single prime minister completed their tenure in the country's history.

Nawaz added that for the sake of the country, everyone will have to work together.

He reiterated that there was no misappropriation of funds from the national exchequer and said he did not want to give an impression he was running from an inquiry, even though he was advised not to appear before the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the Panama Papers case. 

The former premier also said he wanted to serve the country going beyond the designation of of prime minister and the task would be of utmost honour for him.

“I want things to not deteriorate but get back on the right track,” he said.

He further said that if the institutions will not respect one another, then the country will not progress.

"The civil society, media and everyone has to determine a path, otherwise the country will not function," said the former prime minister.

Nawaz said it has been decided to maintain the post of Punjab chief minister. 

Nawaz Sharif met federal ministers and lawmakers earlier today to discuss preparations for his GT Road caravan, among other matters.

The PML-N leadership also discussed the plan for the journey of their party chief. 

As per the plan, a bombproof vehicle and jammers will be used while a special security force will be deployed for the former prime minister, sources said. 

A bomb disposal squad will also be present on the route for screening before the arrival of the caravan. Besides, the workers of PML-N will surround Nawaz’s vehicle throughout the trip.

Nawaz met PML-N leaders Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Dr Asif Kirmani, Raja Zafar-ul-Haq and Sheikh Aftab, among others, at the Punjab House, sources said.

In order to avoid any inconvenience to the public, traffic police has been instructed to devise a plan accordingly.

Nawaz Sharif announced to embark on a road trip to Lahore after he arrived in Islamabad from Murree post-disqualification.

PML-N is GT Road party: Babar Awan

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Babar Awan has said they call PML-N a GT Road party as they have used the route earlier for a rally.

He said that stages were being set in NA-120 Lahore to welcome Nawaz, which was creating hindrances for candidates who will be contesting the elections and wanted to campaign. Awan maintained that Election Commission should take notice of the matter as a disqualified person, affiliated with politics, must not go in a constituency where by-elections are soon to be held.

The NA-120 berth stands empty after the Supreme Court announced Nawaz’s disqualification on July 28.

ECP has announced by-election on the seat on September 17, for which nomination papers will be submitted between August 10 and 12.

PTI approaches court against PML-N's road trip 

PTI has requested Islamabad High Court to stop PML-N from organising a caravan from Islamabad to Lahore.

The petition has been submitted by PTI leader Usman Basra, who believes the rally to be tantamount to harming freedom of the judiciary as it is “an attempt to bring the National Accountability Bureau under pressure”.

The petition seeks response from the federal government and district administration.

Hearing over the petition will be held on Tuesday (tomorrow).

After the SC declared Nawaz as disqualified from the position of prime minister, NAB was directed to submit a report over the Panama case and submit it within six weeks.  

'Permission granted'

PML-N has been granted permission for their GT Road caravan, according to the Punjab government spokesperson.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend the rally for which a special container has also been prepared.