The head of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif, made 3,200 applicants for party tickets promise on Friday that they would not be lured into corrupt practices.
Applicants from across the country gathered at the Model Town residence of the Sharifs. “We pledge to make rid our country of all types of corruption. We believe that solution of all country problems lies in the elimination of corruption and we make assure to party leadership neither ourselves nor anyone to let to do corruption in the country,” the applicants said in their oath-taking ceremony.
“We believe that the solution of all problems lies in the elimination of corruption; we will make sure that corruption does not spread its roots in the country,” said the PML-N chief, addressing party ticket applicants. “We will try to begin a revolution.”
Nawaz pointed out that only 1,000 seats were available in the central and provincial legislatures; so clearly, all applicants could not be accommodated. However, he expressed faith in the loyalty of PML-N workers who won’t get a chance in the general elections, and said that they will be considered in the by-elections later on.
Later, his brother, Shahbaz Sharif, recounted the party’s achievements and reminded applicants of their previous oath. Shahbaz pointed out that the PML-N was now tilted towards a youth-centric policy. A party-sponsored survey had recently revealed that 100% of Pakistan’s youth decried corruption, and therefore, PML-N has revised its plan to bring that issue into the folds of its election campaign.
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During the address, Nawaz made his preference for Justice (retd) Nasir Aslam Zahid very clear. “A man who refused to take an oath under the Provisional Constitution Order should be honoured by being awarded the highest offices.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 23rd, 2013.