Despite his party assuming power at the federal level, Nawaz Sharif, the leader of PML-N, reiterated his dissatisfaction with his ousting in 2017, a move he believes not only undermined his party but also hindered the progress of the country significantly.
After his party’s failure to secure a majority in last month’s general elections, the three-time prime minister has maintained a low profile. However, he has recently been observed presiding over Punjab government meetings and giving directives to bureaucrats and ministers.
Returning to Pakistan in October after a four-year self-imposed exile in the UK, Nawaz Sharif’s party conducted an extensive election campaign, positioning him as the top contender for prime minister. Nevertheless, following his party’s failure to achieve the desired results, his brother Shehbaz Sharif was appointed prime minister of a six-party coalition government.
Addressing MNAs and MPAs from the Faisalabad division at a gathering in Lahore, Nawaz Sharif asserted, “If my government hadn’t been ousted in 2017, Pakistan would have made significant progress.” Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was also in attendance.
Referring to former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and PTI founding chairman Imran Khan, Nawaz Sharif criticized those who ousted him, stating that they harmed Pakistan. He expressed confidence in overcoming the difficulties, asserting, “Although the coming year or two may be challenging, a time of relief will surely arrive. Together, we will restore Pakistan to its rightful place.”
Nawaz Sharif vowed to hold accountable the former generals and judges who allegedly toppled his government illegally. Khawaja Asif, his close aide and the current defense minister, advocated for summoning Mr. Bajwa, former ISI chief Faiz Hameed, and Imran Khan to question their alleged roles in the government’s overthrow in 2017 and the subsequent economic issues faced by the country.
However, some PML-N lawmakers, including Hanif Abbasi from the ‘Shehbaz camp’, criticized Mr. Asif’s demand as unwarranted.
During the meeting, Punjab’s chief minister discussed development projects in Faisalabad, emphasizing the introduction of laws to ensure worker safety, which would be implemented diligently. Maryam Nawaz also mentioned plans to introduce 100 speedo buses alongside Metro buses in Faisalabad and include the city in the initiative to construct 100,000 housing units for low-income individuals.
