Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that Nawaz Sharif, the leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), will face legal consequences when he returns to the country. Nawaz Sharif, who has been living in self-imposed exile in London since 2019, is expected to return to Pakistan in the next few weeks.
PM Shehbaz accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan of being the “mastermind” behind the May 9 riots that occurred after Khan’s arrest in a graft case. He asserted that the riots were part of a conspiracy against Pakistan. The riots were aimed at toppling the military leadership and initiating a civil war. The prime minister clarified that his claims were based on information.
PM Shehbaz mentioned that individuals other than PTI workers, including some politicians, military personnel, and their families, were involved in the events of May 9, which were referred to as the “Black Day” by the military.
The government and the military responded to the violent protests by taking strong action. They arrested and detained several PTI workers and leaders for their alleged involvement. In response to the attacks on military installations, the Pakistan Army dismissed three senior officers, including a lieutenant general. Pakistan army also took strict departmental action against 15 other army officers.
Regarding his government’s achievements, PM Shehbaz said that they successfully steered the country away from the risk of default. He claimed that PDM restored the country’s lost dignity over the past 15 months.
He said a summary for the National Assembly’s dissolution will be sent to the president before its tenure ends. Regarding the upcoming elections, PM Shehbaz said that the PML-N would attempt to make seat adjustments with allied parties. However, in constituencies where a consensus cannot be reached, the party will field its own candidate when Nawaz Sharif returns.
