The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has strongly criticized the “VVIP protocol” provided to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif upon his return to Pakistan, alleging that all federal and Punjab government resources were used to facilitate the return of a “convicted absconder.”
PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan expressed outrage that a convicted prisoner received VVIP protocol, including the use of the State Room at Islamabad Airport for his reception. He claimed that this treatment highlighted the destruction of Pakistan’s legal system by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Khan also pointed out the contrast between Nawaz Sharif’s biometrics process at the airport and the treatment of Prime Minister Imran Khan during a similar process, suggesting a double standard in the treatment of the two leaders.
PTI senior leader Moonis Elahi criticized the unprecedented welcome given to a convicted absconder, emphasizing that court staff went to the airport to collect Nawaz Sharif’s biometric attendance, while Prime Minister Imran Khan was picked up from court while providing his biometrics.
Elahi alleged that the Punjab government instructed deputy commissioners to provide transport and ensure the attendance of government employees, particularly “patwaris,” for Nawaz Sharif’s return, highlighting the preparations made for his arrival.
PTI leaders accused the PML-N of using federal and Punjab government resources to orchestrate the return of a convicted absconder and claimed that the people of Lahore rejected the PML-N and Nawaz Sharif’s homecoming after his four-year self-imposed exile.
They also alleged that the establishment supported the PML-N’s call to gather people from across the country at the jalsa venue, Minar-i-Pakistan in Lahore.
Following Nawaz Sharif’s speech, former PTI spokesman Dr. Shahbaz Gill commented that the PML-N supremo had not reduced his “meanness” and criticized the increase in power, gas, and petrol rates, implying a lack of support for his brother Shehbaz Sharif’s government.
PTI Central Punjab General Secretary Hammad Azhar noted that the crowd at the jalsa venue appeared disinterested and scattered. He posted a video showing people leaving the venue before Nawaz Sharif had completed his speech and another video depicting participants at the jalsa eating biryani and littering the disposable plates, suggesting a lack of enthusiasm for the event.
