In a candid conversation with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ticket aspirants, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif articulated his views on the state of Pakistan’s economy and the tumultuous political landscape, attributing the country’s hardships to internal challenges rather than external influences.
The veteran politician, eyeing a record fourth term as prime minister, emphasized that the economic turmoil faced by Pakistan was not a result of actions taken by India, the US, or Afghanistan. Instead, Sharif pointed fingers at internal factors, stating, “We shot ourselves in our own foot.” He indirectly referenced the powerful military establishment for contributing to the nation’s woes.
Sharif, who has been ousted from power three times in Pakistan’s political history – in 1993, 1999, and 2017 – raised concerns about the imposition of a ‘selected government’ in the aftermath of the 2018 polls, alleging rigging that led to the suffering of the people and the economic downfall.
During his discussion, Sharif criticized the judiciary for what he deemed as legitimizing military dictators’ rule and questioned their actions in endorsing the dissolution of the parliament.
Specifically targeting former ISI chief Gen Faiz Hamid, Sharif accused him of orchestrating his ousting from power in 2017, referencing a Supreme Court case against those allegedly involved in ensuring his continued incarceration.
Having returned from a four-year-long self-imposed exile in October, Sharif remains a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, having served as prime minister three times, a unique feat in a country prone to political upheavals and coups.
Referring to his past oustings, Sharif highlighted instances where he faced abrupt removals from power, citing reasons ranging from accusations of hijacking to alleged financial improprieties involving his son. He insinuated that these decisions were orchestrated to pave the way for individuals favored by the military establishment, including his arch-rival Imran Khan, the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
In a recent televised address to the nation, Sharif openly accused the military establishment of coercing senior judges to pass verdicts against him during the 2014-17 period, claiming that their actions were driven by intimidation and threats.
Last week, Sharif received a reprieve as he was acquitted in the Al-Azizia Steel mill corruption case. This decision follows previous acquittals in the Avenfield graft case and the Flagship corruption case, marking a significant turn in his legal battles.
As Sharif continues to navigate the complex political landscape in Pakistan, his vocal criticisms of internal systems and institutions raise pertinent questions about the country’s democratic stability and the role of its key stakeholders.
Sources By Agencies
