Those who imposed PTI are criminals of country: Nawaz Sharif
ISLAMABAD, Feb 28 (SABAH): Former prime minister and supreme leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif, on Wednesday made scathing remarks aimed at elements within the judiciary and military establishment, labelling them as criminals of Pakistan for their role in installing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), despite significant progress achieved during his tenure as prime minister.
Addressing the media after PML-N’s parliamentary party meeting in Islamabad, Nawaz directly confronted those he believed were responsible for his ouster, stating, “You did not oppress me but the people of Pakistan by imposing these [PTI] people.”
In a pointed critique of the judiciary, the ex-premier lambasted the judges involved who gave verdict against him. “Those who gave the verdict against me are resigning today. Look where is Saqib Nisar now.” Taking aim at the PTI leadership, Nawaz Sharif expressed disdain, remarking, “We’re facing people who don’t believe in logic.”
Reflecting on his vision for Pakistan’s future, PML-N supreme leader lamented the interrupted trajectory of progress during his tenure, asserting, “Pakistan would have been a big regional power if the way of progress was not halted by removing me. We would have been part of G20 by now.”
He praised the leadership of his brother Shehbaz Sharif during the coalition government’s 16-month tenure, acknowledging his efforts in leading Pakistan during challenging times.
Nawaz highlighted the pressing issue of inflation, noting its impact on the people of Pakistan, and expressed optimism for the nation’s recovery, stating, “I truly believe Pakistan will get out of crisis in the next 1.5 to two years.”
Acknowledging the potential for tough decisions ahead, Nawaz underscored the importance of honesty in governance and expressed faith in divine assistance, stating, “If our intentions are honest then the Almighty would help.”
He concluded with a reflection on the challenges of leadership, remarking, “If I was in Shehbaz’s place, I would not have survived [at PM’s position].”
He also congratulated Shehbaz Sharif and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on their nominations for the positions of prime minister and National Assembly speaker, respectively, by the PML-N.
The parliamentary party meeting, chaired by Nawaz, earlier in the day brought together 104 members, including Shehbaz. During the proceedings, Nawaz expressed confidence in Shehbaz’s leadership and announced the official nominations for the key positions.
Addressing the gathering, Nawaz stated, “We will take the country out of the economic crisis,” outlining a vision for the party’s role in addressing the prevailing economic challenges. The PML-N parliamentary party endorsed Nawaz’s nominations.
Prime Minister-designate Shehbaz, in his address to the meeting, pledged to continue the journey of development initiated by Nawaz. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s security forces in eliminating terrorists during his brother’s tenure. Shehbaz expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Karachi for the efforts that restored peace to the city.
Highlighting Nawaz’s accomplishments, Shehbaz noted that despite numerous achievements for the country, his brother’s government was overthrown