Nawaz questions 2018 electoral ‘wrongs’

PML-N leader says nation deserves truth

LAHORE:

Dredging up the “wrongs” committed to him, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on Monday once again called into question his government’s ouster to facilitate the Imran Khan-led PTI’s ascension to power in 2018.

Addressing potential candidates for the upcoming general elections in a session convened after chairing the parliamentary board, the ex-prime minister said the truth behind the 2018 electoral process must be unveiled.

"The nation deserves to know what truly transpired during the 2018 elections," he asserted while stressing that there was a need for rectifying "mistakes" for the nation's benefit.

During the session, the former prime minister underscored the significance of ethical conduct, asserting that true honour comes from serving the people and prioritising the country's improvement over personal interests.

ملک بہت پیچھے چلا گیا ہے اللہ تعالیٰ اس ملک کی حفاظت فرمائے اور پاکستان اور اسکے لوگ خوشحال ہوں۔دنیا بہت آگے چلی گئی ہے۔ہمیں اس بات کا افسوس کرنا چاہیے کہ ہم کیوں دنیا کے پست ترین ممالک میں شامل ہیں۔ قائد مسلم لیگ (ن) محمد نواز شریف pic.twitter.com/x86Etn6xWq

— PMLN (@pmln_org) December 11, 2023

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Nawaz claimed that in 2017, the country was on a positive trajectory, and there were expectations of PML-N's success in the 2018 elections. He said that their strong performance posed a threat to other parties' prospects in the polls.

Expressing deep concern about the current state of the country, Nawaz pointed out the diminishing global standing of Pakistan. "We should regret that we are one of the worst-performing countries in the world at the moment."

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He highlighted the dependence on imports and lamented that the country, built with great expectations, was facing economic challenges.

Nawaz emphasised the need for redressal, noting the impact of inflation on people's livelihoods, with many struggling to pay their electricity bills.

On Saturday, Nawaz focused on diplomatic relations, advocating for improved ties with neighbouring countries such as India, Afghanistan, and Iran. He emphasised that Pakistan's global credibility relies on amicable relations with its bordering nations.

During the sixth session of the party's parliamentary board in Lahore, Nawaz recalled the Kargil war events in 1999, stating that his government opposed it. He emphasised that subsequent reflection validated the correctness of their stance.

Nawaz clarified that opposing Kargil wasn't a sign of weakness and underscored their commitment to tough decisions in matters of national interest, citing the example of conducting atomic tests despite opposition from world powers to make Pakistan invincible.