LAHORE, Aug 3: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Sunday his party was committed to the reinstatement of judges sacked under Nov 3 emergency and he was ready to “sacrifice” the chief minister office 1,000 times to provide justice to people.

“No country can progress without the provision of absolute justice,” Mr Sharif said while addressing Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) workers and office-bearers of NA-119 at Model Town, here. Member of the National Assembly from NA-119 Hamza Shahbaz Sharif and members of Provincial Assembly were also present, says an official handout.

He said the restoration of the judges and the independence of the judiciary were not only his personal aim but it was the demand of 160 million people of the country.

He warned “conspirators” were trying to end the democratic set-up by re-enforcing dictators in the country. He said they would, however, strengthen democracy by foiling the “nefarious” designs of conspirators.

The chief minister said the past rulers had destroyed the governmental system and their “immature and selfish policies” had brought the country to the brink of collapse.

“We will bring about a revolution of progress and prosperity in the country under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif,” he said. He said the PML-N strived to provide justice to the people, therefore the party had a solid and valid viewpoint regarding restoration of judges deposed under Nov 3 emergency.

Mr Sharif said he was visiting different parts of the province to know about the condition of the people.

He said all institutions, including police stations and hospitals, depicted a picture of neglect and maladministration. Past rulers spent billions on their personal promotion but did nothing for the people, he added.

According to him, had the public money utilised for the collective welfare, the condition might have been different today. He said national resources were only meant for the people and these (resources) would be utilised to improve their living standard and provision of education and healthcare facilities.

He said had the past rulers spent the money on the projects of public welfare, people would not have been in a state of helplessness. He said that for the solidarity and survival of the country, they (the government) would have to provide justice to the people.

He said he was committed to making the ruling alliance stronger and that they would collectively resolve the problems of people. He said that the countries where injustice prevailed, peace and justice disappeared and the societies succumbed to evil.

He said the rise in the prices of flour would not be allowed, adding that the government would provide flour on cheaper rates in Ramzan.

He said free education was an integral right of every child and the government would provide the latest knowledge and technology to the youth. He said the PML-N would be reorganised and strengthened as party workers were their strength.

The CM arrived at about 10am at Model Town where workers of NA-119 apprised him about their problems. Due to rush of workers, he held the meeting on the lawns. He kept on listening to workers even in rain.