In a conversation with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ticket aspirants, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, eyeing a record fourth term, asserted that Pakistan’s challenges were self-inflicted, pointing indirectly at the military establishment. Sharif, ousted three times from power in 1993, 1999, and 2017, disassociated India, the US, and Afghanistan from the country’s current economic struggles.
“Today where Pakistan has reached (in terms of the state of the economy) this is not done by India, the US, or even Afghanistan. In fact, we shot ourselves in our own foot…they (a reference to the military) imposed a selected (government) on this nation by rigging the 2018 polls that led to the sufferings of the people and downfall of the economy,” Nawaz Sharif stated during the meeting.
The PML-N leader criticized the judiciary for what he perceives as inconsistent actions, stating, “The judges garland them (military dictators) and legitimize their rule when they break the Constitution. When it comes to a prime minister, the judges stamp his ouster. The judges also approve the act of dissolution of the parliament…why?” he questioned.
Nawaz Sharif specifically targeted former ISI chief Gen Faiz Hamid for his role in his 2017 ousting, mentioning an ongoing case against those who claimed Nawaz’s release from jail would undermine their efforts.
Recounting past instances of political turmoil, Nawaz Sharif highlighted the events of 1999 and 2017, accusing the military establishment of manipulating decisions to install their preferred candidate, referring to his rival Imran Khan.
In a recent televised address, Nawaz Sharif accused the military establishment of pressuring senior judges to remove him from power during 2014-17, alleging coercion and threats. Last week, he was acquitted in the Al-Azizia Steel mill corruption case, adding to previous acquittals in the Avenfield and Flagship corruption cases.
Nawaz Sharif’s return from a four-year exile in October has reignited political tensions, with the PML-N leader positioning himself for a remarkable comeback in Pakistan’s volatile political landscape.
