LONDON: PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has sharply criticized former Prime Minister Imran Khan, accusing him of failing to deliver during his time in power. He described Imran Khan’s era as one marked by “inhuman and barbaric” treatment of opponents.
In a candid conversation with reporters in London, Nawaz Sharif responded to Imran Khan’s announcement of a protest march scheduled for November 24. He called it a “desperate measure” from a leader who, according to Sharif, has no track record to justify any call for mass mobilization.
Imran’s Record: A Failure of Leadership
Nawaz Sharif questioned why anyone would respond to Imran Khan’s call for protests when the former prime minister had failed to make any significant contributions to the country. He challenged Imran Khan to present a single development project that could be considered a success during his tenure.
“What did Imran Khan achieve that people would want to take to the streets for him?” Sharif asked. “Name one project or achievement that stands as proof of his leadership.” According to Sharif, Imran Khan’s time in office was marked by a lack of progress and a failure to improve the nation’s infrastructure or economy.
The PML-N leader emphasized that Imran Khan’s tenure was devoid of tangible achievements. He specifically pointed out that Imran Khan could not claim to have constructed highways, initiated power projects, or eliminated power shortages—promises he had once made.
Imran Khan’s Failed Governance
Nawaz Sharif went on to criticize Imran Khan for his inability to make meaningful contributions to Pakistan’s development. Instead of working for the nation’s progress, Sharif accused Imran Khan of conspiring with the judiciary, particularly with former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, to disqualify him politically in 2016.
Sharif described the period of Imran Khan’s rule as a time of political victimization, not just for him, but also for other opposition leaders. He stated that Imran Khan, together with former Army Chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and ex-ISI Chief Faiz Hameed, worked to undermine the PML-N and its leadership at every turn.
PML-N’s Efforts to Revive Pakistan’s Economy
Nawaz Sharif contrasted Imran Khan’s record with the efforts of the current government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He praised Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to restoring the economy, noting that Pakistan is now on a path to recovery. According to Nawaz Sharif, the country’s economic indicators are showing positive signs after years of mismanagement under the previous government.
Despite these efforts, Nawaz Sharif pointed out that obstacles were still being placed in the way of progress. He claimed that forces opposed to the current government were trying to undermine its success.
PML-N: A Victimized Party
Reflecting on the political climate during Imran Khan’s rule, Nawaz Sharif said the PML-N had suffered the worst victimization. He accused Imran Khan, General Bajwa, and Faiz Hameed of actively working to weaken the PML-N, and said that their actions had caused lasting damage to the country’s democracy.
Nawaz Sharif’s Return to Pakistan
Nawaz Sharif revealed plans to return to Pakistan soon, alongside his daughter, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who serves as the Chief Minister of Punjab. This visit comes at a time of heightened political tensions and as the PML-N continues to engage with the challenges facing the country.
