At a meeting of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) central working committee in Lahore, Nawaz Sharif, the party’s leader, voiced grievances about injustices he faced during his previous terms as Prime Minister.
Sharif emphasized the need for accountability for those who have harmed Pakistan, including judges and other officials involved in alleged conspiracies against him.
Sharif highlighted the challenges and conspiracies during his tenure, particularly referencing his removal in 2013, which he described as part of a significant conspiracy to oust a sitting prime minister. He commended the resilience of PML-N leaders who endured political victimization and legal battles under the former PTI-led government and praised them for their steadfast loyalty to the party through turbulent times.
In his address, Sharif also touched upon historical moments from his leadership, such as refusing a $5 billion offer from the United States to halt Pakistan’s nuclear tests, which contributed to Pakistan becoming a nuclear power.
Regarding the 1990s, he reiterated his question about the reasons behind his government’s toppling, recalling a distressing incident in which he was labelled a hijacker overnight while serving as prime minister.
Sharif also recounted his post-2013 election interactions with Imran Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He claimed that Khan initially agreed to cooperate for the country’s benefit but later betrayed him by organizing protests in Islamabad.
Additionally, he mentioned a proposal from Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) to form a government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, despite PTI holding the majority. Sharif said he declined this proposal to ensure the largest party had the opportunity to govern, thereby avoiding potential accusations of unfair play.
Sharif also criticized the lifelong disqualification he faced, which he deemed unjust over a minor issue related to his salary. He called for accountability for former apex court judge Justice (retired) Mazahar Ali Naqvi and others involved in his ouster, suggesting they face inquiries similar to those he endured.
He ended his speech by asserting his right to question the circumstances of his removal and the propriety of judges involved in such decisions, vowing to maintain this stance for life.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, also present at the meeting and serving as interim president of PML-N, praised Nawaz for his previous leadership and vowed to lead the country out of its current crises under the guidance of the PML-N supremo.
