Nawaz questions abrupt exit of Justice Ahsan

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif stirred the political pot on Monday, casting doubt over Justice (retd) Ijazul Ahsan’s unexpected resignation while asserting that “a guilty conscience needs no accuser.”

Addressing a lively rally in Lahore’s NA-130 constituency, where he is poised to re-enter the political arena after a lifted lifetime ban, the former premier vehemently maintained his innocence.

Nawaz Sharif, who recently emerged victorious in corruption cases upon his return from a four-year self-exile in London, took a swipe at the judges who had convicted him in 2017, pointing out that they have left one by one.

“I was innocent. The judge appointed to monitor my cases, on the verge of becoming the chief justice in eight months, resigned because a guilty conscience needs no accuser,” he added.

He maintained that the charges against him were baseless and reiterated that he was innocent when convicted.

The PML-N supremo’s remarks come as Justice Ahsan, having previously served as the monitoring judge overseeing Nawaz Sharif's corruption cases, recently exited the judiciary, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his abrupt departure.

Expressing pride in his service to the country during the rally, Nawaz said, “I am proud that I have served my brothers and sisters. If I had not done anything, you would not have loved me like this.”

He said that despite the legal battles, he stands vindicated before the people. He vowed to continue serving the nation and expressed a deep desire to fulfil the expectations of the public. “My heart wants to do everything for you that you expect from me. I tried sincerely before, and I will leave no stone unturned in the future too,” he declared.

Turning his attention to the current state of the country, the former premier criticised the rising cost of essential commodities. He reminisced about his tenure, stating, “When Nawaz Sharif was in power, there was peace in the homes, there was no sign of inflation, everything was cheap.”

He lamented the current economic situation, highlighting the increase in the prices of basic items.

Nawaz posed a rhetorical question, asking who was responsible for the economic downturn and the inflationary pressures on the citizens.

He pledged to bring back the ‘golden era’ of prosperity, promising to create employment opportunities for the youth and restore the honour of the green passport.