PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday lashed out at his arch-rival, PTI founder Imran Khan, accusing him of unleashing an “attack” on the nation's integrity and security after the writing on the political wall spelt out his inevitable ouster.
The former premier said he too had to weather his share of injustices but he maintained grace under fire and never let Pakistan suffer. However, when Imran felt the heat of losing power, he assaulted Pakistan.
Nawaz’s renewed attack on his successor came as Imran, already serving time for a three-year stint in a corruption case, was slapped with a 10-year jail term for allegedly leaking a cypher that he alleges played a role in his downfall.
Addressing a convention of PML-N workers in Haroonabad, Bahawalnagar district, the PML-N supremo criticised Imran’s economic policies, accusing him of leading the country towards economic turmoil.
"I have personally endured injustice, but despite that, I did not allow any harm to come to Pakistan. I did not compromise on national security, nor did I disclose national secrets. However, after sensing that he was about to lose power, Imran Khan attacked Pakistan,” he added.
Nawaz accused Imran of orchestrating a “shameful conspiracy” against the country and putting national security at risk.
Nawaz said that despite facing disqualification, he stands before the public today with his head high. He said, "Hearing your slogans, my blood boils with passion. Ask the farmers how much a tractor cost during Nawaz Sharif's era and inquire about its price today. I ended load-shedding and brought cheap electricity. Tell me, does Nawaz Sharif come to your mind now?"
Drawing attention to the rising fuel prices, Nawaz compared the cost of petrol during his tenure to the present, saying, "During Nawaz Sharif's time, petrol was 60 rupees per litre for motorcycles, cars, buses, and trucks. Today, it stands at 250 rupees per litre. Transparency International's report has just been released, stating that corruption in the country had ended during Nawaz Sharif's era.”
Referring to Imran Khan, he questioned former chief justice Saqib Nisar about why he granted the “certificate” of Sadiq and Ameen to a person the world calls the most corrupt.
Accusing Imran Khan of seeking foreign aid and compromising the country's sovereignty, Nawaz said, "We bid farewell to the IMF, and the country stood on its own feet during our tenure. Then, Imran Khan came and went with a begging bowl to other countries. We were the ones conducting nuclear tests but these people torched the statues of the martyrs and disrespected them.”
Questioning his own imprisonment, Sharif said, "Why was I put in jail? The judges who sent me to jail are resigning today, well aware of their wrongdoings. They know their actions were unjust.”
Addressing the gathering, PML-N Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that the same treatment should be given to Imran Khan as is done with terrorists."Does any political party train its workers in terrorism?
Does it provide training to attack national security and security institutions?" Maryam Nawaz questioned.
She said that despite a four-year gap, the love for Nawaz Sharif among the people has not diminished but has, in fact, grown stronger.
"Someone showed me a picture where when Nawaz Sharif was punished in the Panama case, Imran Khan was distributing sweets. Today, Imran Khan has received a ten-year sentence, but neither has Nawaz Sharif celebrated nor distributed sweets."
The PML-N leader mocked the reason behind Nawaz Sharif's conviction in the Panama case, stating, "Nawaz Sharif was sentenced because he did not take a salary from his son. The whole world witnessed this joke, and people will continue to mock decisions like the Panama case.
"Maryam further commented on Imran Khan's alleged crime, contrasting it with Nawaz Sharif's conduct. She said, "Imran Khan's crime was not taking a salary from his son, but it was no joke. When he saw that power was slipping away, while being the prime minister, he made false claims, saying there was a conspiracy against him, playing with national security. You tell me, has Imran Khan's sentence been fair or unfair?"
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