Return to IMF and inflation started under Imran Khan's watch: Nawaz Sharif

Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has blamed the country's current inflation crisis on policies initiated during the tenure of the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.

"We are not responsible for the inflation; it started during the tenure of the PTI founder," Sharif said during a press conference in Lahore on Friday, held alongside his daughter Maryam Nawaz, the current Punjab Chief Minister (CM).

He emphasized, "We had said goodbye to the IMF, so who brought it back?"

Nawaz criticised those he deemed responsible for the economic challenges, stating, "The real culprits are those who are now sitting in jail and making grand statements".

"We completed power projects in record time and controlled the crisis, yet today, the public is suffering due to inflation and rising electricity bills".

Reflecting on the economic conditions during his tenure, the former PM remarked, "In my October 21 speech, I detailed the situation with electricity prices. In 2017, electricity bills were lower, and people lived comfortably. Vegetables were available for ten rupees per kilogram."

The PML-N leader also highlighted his government's achievements, noting, "We kept the dollar stable at 104 rupees for four years".

"Those who now face bills of 18,000 rupees were paying only 1,600 rupees in 2017. Maryam Nawaz has already reduced the price of flour since her return and is working hard on health and sanitation."

Nawaz also reiterated his longstanding grievance over his disqualification from office.

"A few judges dismissed me for not taking a salary of 10,000 dirhams from my son. I still ask today, why was I removed? Those who removed me committed an injustice and a crime against the country."