Nawaz smells a rat in SC judge’s abrupt resignation

MURREE:

PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on Monday further stirred the pot on Monday by terming the sudden resignation of Justice Ijazul Ahsan as the next chief justice, just eight months away from the coveted position, as nothing short of "fishy."

The former premier, who is basking in a series of acquittals in the corruption cases against him following a triumphant return from a four-year self-exile in London, hinted that “there was more to the story”.

This is not the first time Nawaz has taken aim at the former Supreme Court judge. During an earlier campaign trail in Lahore, he had raised eyebrows by questioning the timing of the judge’s resignation, saying “A guilty conscience needs no accuser.”

Addressing a public gathering at Murree's GPO Chowk on Monday, the former premier said the judge who "disqualified me in 2018 is himself disqualified now".

Ahsan, who held the position of the third most senior judge in the top court and was poised to assume the role of chief justice following the retirement of the current Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, tendered his resignation on January 11.

Ahsan had been assigned by former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar in 2017 to supervise the proceedings related to the references mandated by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against Nawaz Sharif and his family members.

As he has secured acquittals in the corruption cases against him, within months of his coming back to Pakistan after ending a four-year self-exile in London, Nawaz also expressed regret on Pakistan's condition following his disqualification and departure after his conviction.

“When I was the prime minister, I was serving the country, I ended load shedding, made electricity cheaper, ended inflation, built motorways, bread was for Rs4, flour, sugar, cooking oil and vegetables were cheap. The prices of the dollar and petrol were also low, the prices of tractors, fertilisers, cars and motorcycles were all affordable,” he said.

“When everything was going well, why did you expel me?" he asked as he addressed party supporters.

Taking a jibe at PTI founder and ex-prime minister Imran Khan, Nawaz said “Who was brought in my place, after I was removed?”

He criticised Imran for promising one million homes and a billion tree project but never fulfilling the promises. Nawaz claimed a billion was spent on the scheme but the nation never saw the completion of the Billion Tree project.

Read: Will not rest until Pakistan becomes stable: Nawaz

“Did anyone find a job or a house? They say that the youth of Pakistan is with them, but the real youth and the real nation are with me,” claimed the PML-N supremo.

Promising infrastructure development in Murree, he said he also wishes for a train service between Rawalpindi and hill station.

Referring to Kashmir, Nawaz said that Pakistan has always stood with its oppressed Kashmiri brethren and will continue to do so under all circumstances.

'Support Lion to resolve crises'

Meanwhile, addressing a political rally in Murree, the former premier’s daughter and PML-N’s senior vice president Maryam Nawaz rallied supporters and vowed the "highest development" for the picturesque city if the party secures victory in the upcoming elections.

She said, "[We] promise the highest development in Murree if the city chooses lion," referring to the PML-N's symbolic electoral symbol.The commitment aligns with the overarching theme of several major political parties, including the PML-N, whose election campaigns focus on addressing dire economic indicators fuelled by a weakening local currency, diminishing foreign exchange reserves, and other pressing factors.

Reaffirming the party's electoral promises outlined in the manifesto titled "Pakistan ko Nawaz do" (Give Pakistan to Nawaz), Maryam stressed the need to decide the future for the next generations. The seasoned politician, leading the PML-N's election campaign and contesting for the first time in the general election from NA-119 and PP-159 constituencies, highlighted the pivotal role Murree would play in shaping the nation's destiny.

Maryam Nawaz reiterated the party’s aims, including reducing electricity bills by 20-30%, achieving a 6% GDP growth, targeting $60 billion in exports, securing $40 billion in remittances, and decreasing the poverty level from 38% to 25% over the next five years.Encouraging the crowd to support the ‘lion’, Maryam urged voters to trust the party to solve their problems.

Expressing surprise at the large gathering despite harsh weather conditions, she pledged to address the concerns of Murree's residents, particularly targeting the timber and possession mafias plaguing the city."We had decided to ease the difficulties of Murree's people by serving them day and night," Maryam asserted, outlining the party's commitment to bringing positive change to the region.