In his inaugural televised ‘address to the nation’ following a four-year exile, Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), expressed confidence in his party’s success in the upcoming general elections after securing significant legal victories.
In a recorded message aired on television channels, the three-time former prime minister conveyed optimism that the people would deliver their verdicts on February 8, 2024, putting an end to what he perceived as unjust punishments.
Since returning to Pakistan in October after self-exiling in London, Nawaz Sharif has consistently called for accountability against those responsible for his government’s ousting in 2017. He argued that the actions not only affected him and his family but had broader implications for Pakistan.
Addressing his supporters for the first time since his legal triumph over major corruption cases, Nawaz Sharif declared, “My people, you don’t need to reach out to any court as you yourself are the judge.” He emphasized that the recent exoneration from corruption charges served as a significant boost to his ambition for a fourth term as prime minister.
Recent rulings by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) overturning convictions in the Al Azizia Steel Mills and Avenfield cases have removed significant obstacles for Nawaz Sharif’s participation in the upcoming elections on February 8, 2024.
Expressing gratitude for the court’s decisions, Nawaz Sharif thanked his supporters, acknowledging their steadfastness during challenging times. He lamented the historical pattern of facing legal challenges after his government tenures ended, but he expressed relief that his name was cleared this time.
Nawaz Sharif criticized the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), alleging a witch hunt against him orchestrated by a former Supreme Court judge. He stated that those involved in what he termed “shameful games” to overthrow PML-N regimes had been exposed, with unexpected testimonies emerging.
Reflecting on personal hardships, including imprisonment, abuse, and character assassination, Nawaz Sharif pledged not to retreat in the face of tough conditions. Without directly naming his political rival, Imran Khan, he suggested that he was punished to pave the way for a favored candidate, questioning the rationale behind the punishment inflicted on Pakistan.
Nawaz Sharif raised concerns about the country’s economic downturn, questioning the reversal of progress achieved during PML-N’s governance, and expressed bewilderment over Pakistan’s return to being an “economic stronghold of terrorism.” He also lamented high inflation and unemployment, signaling challenges that lie ahead.
