Anger over PMLN's comments following minor's death in Nawaz's rally
The party was heavily criticised by users across the digital spectrum. Photo: New York Times
(Web Desk) - The killing of a 12-year-old boy by a squad car of ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s motorcade drew shock and anger from the general public as people across the nation condemned the minor’s unfortunate demise.
However, the shock was soon replaced by outright fury and rage on social media when the when the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz tried to cash in on the boy’s death by calling it a “sacrifice” for the country.
Heart bleeds for the little PMLN supporter who lost his life today. May Allah grant sabar to the family.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) August 11, 2017
In a statement Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique has called the unfortunate teenager "the first martyr of this movement for democracy", a comment which turned public opinion against PMLN as was evident on the social media.
Users from different political parties as well as ordinary people heavily criticised the PMLN for its actions with many commentators stating that instead of accepting the responsibility for the boy’s death the party was trying to use the incident for political gain.
Bleeding heart doesn t do much to bring the boy back. Punishment needed but punishment is a unique concept amongst Pakistani politicians.
— Mir Mohammad Alikhan (@POSITIVEiBANKER) August 11, 2017
PMLN carries on killing with impunity
— BeefSteak (@CodPak2) August 11, 2017
Today a child was murdered & Nawaz couldn t even stop..now his vile daughter is using kid for politics
Other commentators also angrily reminded the party that despite claiming the boy as a supporter none of the numerous passing cars of the massive motorcade had stopped to help the boy after he had been injured and it was only after people had blocked the road, had the boy been taken to the hospital.
Shame on ur father who didn t even know his name nor if he was a kid or a worker and didn t stop when the car hit the boy#GTRoadRally
— Martial Blood ™ (@FaujiLineage) August 11, 2017
Where was the bleeding heart when that poor kid was lying on the road and your father didn t even bother to stop hypocrisy at its best
— sadaf usman (@mustahtaba) August 11, 2017
People also compared the incident to the Model Town killings.
Let not your heart bleed you brazen murderous lot!
— Salimah (@Salimah4truth) August 11, 2017
Model Town, now this!#QatilNawazLeague
Users were also extremely suspicious of the party’s claim of wanting to help the boy’s family with one person sarcastically asking if the PMLN would help the family recover from their loss with the help of their stolen money.
How would you assist them? can you buy the family kid back with your looted money, your highness?
— Zulal (@zee7) August 11, 2017
Other than the general public the killing of the boy and the PML (N)’s reaction also drew criticism from famous personalities. Well known politician Shireen Mazari stated that the boy’s killing was due to VIP protocol and also called PML (N)’s attempts to use the boy as “sick”.
Sorry the poor victim of VIP protocol was 12 yrs old. Sick sick sick https://t.co/pxvJIy3V7D
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) August 11, 2017
Sick! First PMLN rally car kills 5 yr boy - then Saad Rafiq & Capt Safdar call the poor child a shaheed for their "cause"! No repentance
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) August 11, 2017
PML N has been staging rallies across the country after the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif from the premiership. These rallies have been condemned by rival political parties but have been seen by PML N supporters as a show of force.
