Condemnations pour in over Nawaz shoe attack

LAHORE (92 News) – Strong condemnation have poured in on Sunday after a man hurled a shoe at former prime minister Nawaz Sharif when he reached Jamia Naeemia to give a speech in the provincial capital, leaders from all political parties have condemned the incident declaring it an unfortunate incident. Condemning the incident, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan said, “There was no place for violence in democracy, adding that it has set a bad trend in the state.” Talking to media in Faisalabad, He termed the incident unethical and urged his party workers and general public to avoid such acts. Khan said he was glad that no PTI worker was involved in the incident. “I want to tell everyone that hurling shoes and throwing ink on anyone is not acceptable,” he said adding that it shouldn't happen in any democracy. Expressing concern over the incident, Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly condemned the incident of throwing shoe at Nawaz Sharif and termed it ugly trend threatening the respect and security of the political leaders in Pakistan. The PPP chairman said that his party was against the use of such disrespectful tactics against opponents since the very inception and would condemn in strong possible terms such incidents. Bilawal said that Nawaz Sharif incident and throwing ink at Khwaja Asif have exposed the security breaches and these attempts shouldn’t be aimed at to discourage political leaders direct contact with public. Pakistan Peoples’ Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the incident saying his party always objected these kinds of acts. He said that such incidents have also exposed leaders' faulty security arrangements. Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid condemned the incident, calling it a collapse of intelligence brought about by the 'overconfidence' of the former prime minister Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah condemned the incident and termed it 'extremely wrong.' Responding to question by the journalists regarding the incident, he said that it was unethical to do this to anyone, be it a politician or a person who belongs to any other profession.   Social Media Leaders of different political parties took to social media to express their concern and condemn the incident. Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) leader and Senator Rehman Malik in his tweet said: “Political difference aside shoe throwing on ex PM Nawaz Sharif and ink on Khawaja Asif was highly condemnable and it cannot be accepted at all. I demand from PM and Punjab CM for legal action and exemplary punishment. Islam does not allow any such public humiliation for any one.” PTI leader Shireen Mazari in her tweet said: “Will oppose & fight Sharif's corruption at all levels but absolutely condemn act of throwing shoe at Nawaz Sharif. Violence to show political disagreement is not the answer. Not voting for these corrupt mafias led by NS & humiliating them in elections should be people's response.” PTI leader Jahangir Tareen in his tweet said: “Hurling shoes and throwing ink at rulers is condemnable.. Why resort to such acts, when you have the option of sending them out through the power of vote? Do take your revenge but take it gracefully.” Former Balochistan home minister Sarfraz Bugti @PakSarfrazbugti in his tweet said: “Strongly condemn the indecent & undemocratic act of shoe attack on #NawazSharif today. It saddens me to observe that our society in general lacks basic decency and tolerance.” Anchorperson Sami Abraham @samiabrahim “Shoe attack on Nawaz Sharif and ink throwing on Khawaja Asif are deplorable acts ..but reports that the guy who allegedly hurled shoe on #MNS is beaten to death is even more troubling ..where are we heading to ?? May Allah protect us all” Anchorperson Moeed Pirzada @MoeedNj “While shoe & ink attacks against Nawaz Sharif & Kh. Asif were by religious fanatics; the "Shoe attack attempt" against Imran Khan in Faisalabad is being tracked to Rana Sanaullah Sb; attacker is admitting. This is very unfortunate & unacceptable!”