Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Nawaz Sharif, left, greets Okaz/Saudi Gazette's Fahim Al-Hamid at his Raiwind farmhouse near Lahore on Friday. — Saudi Gazette photo by Jawad Balti Faheem Al-Hamid Okaz/Saudi Gazette RAIWIND — He was calm, quiet and relaxed after three weeks of hectic and aggressive campaigning that wound up the night before (Thursday). It ended with Mian Nawaz Sharif addressing his supporters in Samanabad, in Lahore's city center. ‘Mian Sahib,' as the Pakistanis call him, oozed confidence when I met him at the farmhouse (Raiwind Palace) of the Sharif family here on Friday. The farmhouse is 21 kms away from Lahore. Mian Sahib said that he will win today's (Saturday's) election, which would give him the chance of becoming Pakistan's Prime Minister for the third time. Sharif's confidence was based, (on God willing) as he told me, on the fact that the Pakistan nation will give his party Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) [PML-N] the vote. Sharif, who spent the day (Friday) in Raiwind with his party leaders, said in an exclusive interview with Saudi Gazette and Okaz, the current political situation in Pakistan remains one of anxiety and uncertainty, but it also contains a strong element of optimism, hope and expectation. Asked if he thinks that Saturday's election will be fair he said we have a respected and credible retired judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan as our Chief Election Commissioner, as well as an interim caretaker government, headed by another retired judge. Incidentally, he added, the process for nomination of the Chief Election Commissioner and the caretaker Prime Minister came about as the result of an amendment to the Constitution in which our party played a crucial role. We believe that the creation of these two posts makes both organizations credible and we can look forward to free and fair elections. Here's the excerpts of the interview: Q. How do you evaluate the prevailing political situation in Pakistan on the eve of the Pakistani election that will be held today? A: The current political situation in Pakistan remains one of anxiety and uncertainty, but it also contains a strong element of optimism, hope and expectation. As you are aware, this will be the first occasion in the country's history that the transition from one elected government to another is taking place in accordance with the Constitution. It is therefore, a moment of great joy and happiness. At the same time, it is a fact that the previous government's dismal performance, especially the many instances of massive corruption and a total lack of good governance, led to disillusionment in many people. We have to remember that it is not enough to merely go through elections, but to ensure that the democratically elected government provides clean, efficient and result-oriented governance that brings about a meaningful change in the lives of the people. Q. What is PML (N) strategy to win the elections? A: Apart from any election strategy, our strongest card is the solid performance of the PML (N) government in the Punjab Province. International organizations and foreign countries have recognized this publicly. They have stated that the PML (N) government in Punjab was not only clean, but efficient. There was not a single instance of corruption in any of the major projects undertaken by the Punjab government, which conclusively proves that they were executed in a most transparent manner. We intend to build on this solid foundation and engage in a similar policy of good governance, in the rest of the country, should we be given an opportunity. Q. Are you sure that the elections will be fair? And who will be your coalition partners in the aftermath of the election in the event PML (N) does not get the numbers? A. We have a respected and credible retired judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan as our Chief Election Commissioner, as well as an Interim caretaker government that's headed by another retired judge. Incidentally, the process for nomination of the Chief Election Commissioner and the caretaker Prime Minister came about as the result of an amendment to the Constitution in which our party played a crucial role. We believe that the creation of these two posts makes both organizations credible and we can look forward to free and fair elections. As regards coalition partners, it is much too early to make any comment on this matter. Q. What is the main point of PML (N) election manifesto — locally and internationally? A: In fact my party's manifesto presents a comprehensive, all embracing agenda for national renewal and real change. It sets out a realistic and sound framework for pulling the nation back from the edge of abyss. This is to be achieved by socio-economic development means, generating opportunities and jobs, based on equity, fairness and justice, on the foundation of democratic principles and the rule of law. Since the country is currently trapped in a trajectory of low growth, galloping inflation, poor governance and high levels of corruption, the party's topmost priority will be the revival of the economy. This will also include special focus on overcoming the crippling energy crisis. In the field of international relations, the party believes in consonance with the Quaid-e-Azam's belief in good relations with all countries, and the PML (N) will make concerted efforts to enhance and strengthen Pakistan's relations with its proven and time-tested friends, to make them truly strategic. At the same time, it will pursue a policy of normalization with countries with which we have differences, so as to seek their resolution by means of peaceful negotiations, with the objective of establishing close and cordial ties with all countries, especially those that are our neighbors. Q. Do you consider Imran Khan the chief of PTI a strong competitor in the elections? A: It would be neither fair nor appropriate for me to make any comment about Imran Khan. Q. What is your comment on Musharraf's trial and him being put under house arrest? If you come to power, as the third PM, would you seek revenge? A. Let me begin by stressing that I do not believe in a policy of revenge, with any human being, irrespective of my differences with him. Taking revenge is simply against my nature. This is why I have stressed that I have forgiven Gen. Musharraf whatever pain and suffering he inflicted on me and my family. But as regards his actions against Pakistan and more specifically, the violation of the Constitution is not for me to forgive. That is a matter for the courts to determine. Q. Since you are close to Saudi Arabia, how do you see King Abdullah's role in maintaining peace in the region and the world? How do you view his initiative to create the Gulf Union? A. I have no hesitation in declaring that we are privileged to enjoy the closest of relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All its rulers have been strong and committed friends of Pakistan. King Abdullah is deeply loved and highly admired in Pakistan and viewed as a strong friend of Pakistan. Saudi Arabia is playing an important role in maintaining peace and promoting cooperation in the region. Its strong support in favor of Islamic causes is recognized the world over and has been invaluable to many Muslim countries. The King's initiatives to strengthen relations with the neighboring states of the Gulf region is a step in the right direction as greater cooperation among Gulf states, will surely strengthen peace and promote prosperity in the region. Q. Kashmir was high on your agenda when you were Prime Minister. How can this be solved? A: Kashmir is an issue that has bedeviled relations between Pakistan and India ever since the two countries gained their independence. It has also been the root cause of more than one war and many skirmishes between the two countries. I am convinced that a resolution of this problem is essential for our two countries to embark on the road to a durable and sustainable peace. This was why I had reached out to the then Indian Prime Minister soon after coming back to power for the second time. Our comprehensive dialogue with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee during his visit to Lahore in February 1999, led to the historic Lahore Declaration, which contained a road map for the resolution of all our differences. I intend to pick up the thread from where it had to be left and seek a resolution of the issue of Kashmir that not only meets with the interests of the two countries, but is also in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people of that territory. Q. If you are voted to power, how do you see your relations with Saudi Arabia? A: Given our historic ties with Saudi Arabia, my consistent effort would be to ensure that this relationship is further strengthened and reinforced, at all levels. We do not simply want good relations with the Kingdom, but will endeavor to invest it with meaningful cooperation, so that the relationship can then acquire a strategic nature for both sides. Q. What will be your priorities; local and international if you succeed in forming the new government? A. I have already responded to this earlier, while explaining that the revival of the economy, overcoming the energy crisis and ensuring good governance at home, would be my domestic priorities. In the field of foreign affairs, again as stated earlier, our effort will be to establish friendly, cordial and cooperative ties with all countries, particularly those in our neighborhood. Q. You had initiated the bus diplomacy with India when you were the Prime Minister for the second time, how do you see the future relationship with India? A. India is a neighbor and a country with which Pakistan has many linkages, going back in history. I am determined to close the chapter on suspicion and hostility and instead, open an era of friendly and cordial relations that embraces cooperation in the field of trade, commerce and investment. The people of the two countries have suffered long because of the shortsighted policies pursued by governments in both countries. It is time that the people are able to take advantage of peace and prosperity that would inevitably result from the establishment of cordial relations between the two countries. Q. How can Pakistan deal with the terrorism issue, especially when it comes from across the borders from Afghanistan? A: Since I have already spoken on the issue of terrorism, permit me to simply add that terrorism is not confined to one country. It is a problem faced by virtually all countries and certainly both Afghanistan and Pakistan have suffered enormously from this scourge. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding between the two countries, based on mutual trust and mutual appreciation of the scale of the problem, is essential. This issue will certainly be accorded the highest priority as I am convinced that there can be no peace and stability in Pakistan, unless there is peace and stability in Afghanistan. Q. Can Pakistan and Afghanistan work together to combat terrorism? A. Having already answered your question in the context of another question, I would wish to draw your attention to the fact that I am familiar with this issue having dealt extensively with Afghanistan and its problems during my earlier term in office as Prime Minister. I am convinced that apart from the need for a comprehensive, multifaceted approach essential to combat terrorism in Pakistan, we will have to work closely with our brothers in Afghanistan to ensure success for our common objectives. In this context I would like to add that we will extend all our support and assistance to a peace process in Afghanistan that is Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. This process can however succeed, only if all the regional countries as well as the global powers come together and extend guarantees to end all foreign interference and intervention in that country. Q. What is your view on Arab Spring and do you think a Pakistani spring is on the way? A. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the domestic affairs of other states, especially those with which Pakistan has been privileged to enjoy good relations. As regards Pakistan, we are on the verge of having our first-ever democratic transition by means of free and fair elections. By the Grace of the Almighty, Pakistan is today a democratic country, where the Constitution is the supreme law, where the judiciary is independent and credible, while the media is vibrant and independent. Insha'Allah by the Grace of the Almighty, if the people of Pakistan vote us back to power in the forthcoming elections, we will work towards strengthening the democratic institutions, ensuring good governance and giving people the benefits of a clean and efficient government. Finally, I wish to use your courtesy to convey my prayers and good wishes to the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia, as well as to the million strong Pakistani community, who are living a happy, contended and productive life in the Holy Land. May Allah Almighty continue to shower His many blessings on us all. Q. Do you expect to mediate between TTP and the Pakistan Government if you come to power. A: If by the Grace of the Almighty our party comes to power, it will look at the problem of extremism and terrorism not simply in terms of its symptoms but at its root causes as well. The party is convinced that militancy and terrorism have no place in Pakistan. Neither the laws of the country, nor our religious beliefs sanction the use of violence against any human. The party therefore rejects militancy and extremism, while condemning terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations. Nevertheless, we are also convinced that militancy and terrorism cannot be countered by mere use of force. It needs a well thought-out, comprehensive plan of action that should include creation of economic opportunities, social changes, administrative reforms and political initiatives, to root out this menace. Q. What is your position on the Syrian crisis? A. We are deeply saddened by what is happening in Syria. The pain and suffering through which its people have been going through is deeply regrettable. We favor a peaceful resolution of the problem through negotiations among all the parties concerned. Syria's territorial integrity and stability are important for the stability of the entire region. Q. Your views on the Palestine issue? A. I have always been a strong and ardent supporter of the Palestinian cause and I have said so on many occasions. The people of Palestine have suffered enormously and it is incumbent on the international community to ensure early implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions 224 and 338 so that the people of Palestine can have their own independent and sovereign state, as promised to them by the international community.
