Nawaz Sharif’s ‘Once Bitten’ Hint Sparks Speculation on Ending PMs’ Unceremonious Departure

Unceremonious Departure

LAHORE: In a significant declaration on Wednesday, Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), expressed his firm intention to reform the country’s political system, citing the pattern of “unceremonious departure of prime ministers.” During a campaign rally in Punjab’s Nankana Sahib district, Sharif questioned the circumstances surrounding his own removal from power before the previous elections, demanding answers for his detention, imprisonment, and subsequent exile to the UK.

Addressing the crowd, Sharif highlighted the achievements of his previous government, including overcoming load shedding, controlling inflation, and establishing an extensive network of motorways. He sought the public’s support to bring about systemic changes, vowing to undertake initiatives that would leave a lasting impact on history.

Contrasting the current state of Pakistan with the conditions during his previous tenure, Sharif pointed to economic challenges, inflation, currency depreciation, and the hardships faced by the people. He expressed a desire for relief from price hikes and increased employment opportunities.

If the PML-N secures victory in the upcoming Feb 8 polls, Sharif promised to transform Nankana Sahib into a model city, build a cardiology hospital, grant ownership rights to katchi abadi residents, and establish a boys’ degree college in the district.

Maryam Nawaz, in her address, defended her father against allegations of being favored by the establishment, asserting that he is the people’s favorite. She criticized former Prime Minister Imran Khan without explicitly naming him, holding him responsible for Sharif’s removal in 2022.

PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif, engaging with the youth, emphasized the need for Pakistan to invest in its young population and formulate policies through consensus. Recognizing that over 60% of the population comprises young people, he pledged to prioritize higher education if the PML-N wins the elections.