Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif asserted on Wednesday that Imran Khan, the imprisoned leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is attempting to stir discord between Punjab, governed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where PTI holds power. Speaking at a ceremony in Lahore for a provincial government housing initiative, Sharif drew parallels between Khan’s actions and those of ancient Central Asian invaders but refrained from naming him directly. He criticized Khan for inciting tensions, saying, “Instead of urging the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to invade Punjab, you should focus on serving them.”
Sharif further lambasted Khan’s followers, describing them as “sheep and goats,” and questioned the fate of the five million houses that Khan had promised during his leadership. He dismissed PTI’s governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, declaring, “His performance was zero. Even after being in power for the third time, they have failed to meet the expectations of the people, concentrating only on protests and street riots.”
In his remarks, Sharif recalled Khan’s earlier threats, mentioning how Khan once claimed he would bring him down with a noose. He stressed the need for humility and accountability, asserting, “You reap what you sow.” This critique of Khan comes on the heels of Sharif’s recent call for dialogue to address the nation’s issues, a proposal that has garnered little support amidst an ongoing crackdown on PTI, which intensified after a public gathering in Sangjani, Islamabad.
Sharif also reflected on the judges who ousted him in the 2017 Panama Papers case, expressing outrage over what he deemed a grave injustice. He recounted a leaked audio conversation involving former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, where Nisar allegedly expressed intentions to imprison him and his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, to elevate Khan’s political status. Despite his contributions to the country, Sharif lamented that he has been removed from office three times without completing his terms.
Joining her father at the ceremony, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz criticized Khan, emphasizing that while the PML-N is focused on development, others are intent on sowing chaos. She challenged Khan, saying he has never advocated for improved facilities for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from his prison cell, instead inciting violence. Maryam extended an invitation to PTI supporters, stating, “If you seek healthcare, jobs, or education, Punjab welcomes you. But if you come to create chaos, that is something I will not tolerate.”
