Nawaz challenges Imran to name single development project under his govt

Former three-time prime minister addresses Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supporters in New York.

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s track record on development and economic stability, questioning the absence of major public projects under Imran Khan’s leadership.

Speaking to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supporters in New York, Nawaz called on Imran to 'name a single project initiated for Pakistan’s progress.'

Sharif contrasted the PTI’s record with the PML-N’s work in Punjab, where, he stated, his government had provided Rs 40-50 billion in relief on electricity bills.

He further pointed out that the PML-N’s administration expanded Pakistan’s motorway network, including the first and most recent motorways connecting cities like Peshawar, Lahore, and Multan.

“We took the growth rate to 5.8% and aimed for 7%,” Nawaz said, claiming that PML-N's 2018 tenure ended with the dollar at Rs104 and an interest rate of 5.25%. He balmed the PTI for pushing the dollar above Rs300 and raising interest rates to 23%, leading to economic setbacks.

Nawaz also highlighted that during his tenure, Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves reached record highs, and the country was able to distance itself from the IMF.

He alleged that the PTI’s policies damaged Pakistan’s foreign relations and failed to deliver on development projects, especially in K-P.

According to Nawaz, PML-N’s infrastructure contributions include extensive road networks in Balochistan, the Hazara motorway, and the Attabad Lake tunnel.

Nawaz quietly embarks on multi-country tour

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif embarked on a multi-country tour on October 25, coinciding with the retirement of Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa.

Notably, Sharif’s return to Pakistan earlier this year also followed closely after Justice Isa assumed office, raising speculation over the timing of his movements.

For months, rumours circulated about Sharif’s intended departure for a medical check-up in London, with party leaders confirming only that such a visit was indeed due. Despite frequent media inquiries, no details of his itinerary were disclosed by party representatives, maintaining an unusual silence over the specifics of Sharif’s plans.

Media reports indicate that Sharif departed from Pakistan on an Emirates flight to Dubai, from where he will travel to London for a medical examination.

Following his London visit, he is reportedly set to leave for the United States by October 29, where he is expected to stay for around four days before returning to London. After this, Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz and other family members are anticipated to join him for a European tour.

Sharif’s departure also comes amid a key constitutional amendment that prevented Justice Mansoor Ali Shah from assuming the chief justice role after Justice Isa’s retirement. The government, lacking sufficient parliamentary support, allegedly considered unconventional tactics, including alleged “horse-trading” to secure votes.

The possibility of floor-crossing was legally enabled by a recent decision by the outgoing Chief Justice Isa, who reversed an earlier Supreme Court ruling on Article 63-A of the Constitution, effectively allowing lawmakers to cross the floor without automatic disqualification.

In an unexpected twist, Sharif’s quiet exit has avoided significant mainstream media coverage, marking a departure from the typically high-profile nature of his travels.