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PML-N president and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has reignited political debate by calling for full accountability not only of PTI founder Imran Khan, but also of those he claims were responsible for bringing him into power. Addressing newly elected lawmakers on Wednesday, Nawaz made one of his strongest political statements in months, openly declaring that the individuals and forces who supported Imran’s rise were “bigger criminals” than the former premier himself.
“Imran Khan was not the only criminal; the ones who brought him to power were the bigger criminals, and they should be held fully accountable,” Nawaz said, prompting applause from the attendees. His remarks reflect simmering grievances that have persisted since the contentious 2018 elections and highlight the PML-N’s stance that the political engineering of that period derailed Pakistan’s democratic and economic trajectory.
Since the PML-N formed a coalition government with the PPP after the 2024 general elections, Nawaz has kept a relatively low profile. But his latest comments signal a shift—an indication that he is stepping forward to reclaim the political narrative and address what he views as the root causes of Pakistan’s repeated instability.
Revisiting the 2018 Elections
Recalling the events of 2018, Nawaz referenced the Election Commission of Pakistan’s tally showing that PTI emerged as the largest party, securing 115 out of 270 National Assembly seats. However, the PML-N had immediately raised concerns about irregularities. During the parliamentary session after Imran’s election as prime minister, PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif had pointed to alleged rigging, including the rejection of 1.6 million votes and reports of ballot papers being found in gutters and on streets across the country.
According to Nawaz, the PTI had long portrayed political opponents as corrupt, “calling others robbers and dacoits,” yet he insisted that those accusations were deflections. “They were the bigger robbers,” he said, arguing that the PTI government had inflicted far greater harm through instability, division, and mismanagement.
“Chaos, Anarchy and Slander”: Nawaz’s Critique of the PTI Era
Nawaz criticized what he described as the PTI government’s governance approach, accusing it of creating an environment filled with chaos and hostility. He argued that the previous administration focused more on confrontations and defamation than on actual leadership or policymaking.
He asked whether any country could prosper while its leadership was embroiled in constant conflict. “The people now know what that government did,” Nawaz said. “They only indulged in chaos, anarchy, fights, and slandering others.”
Economic Comparisons and Concerns Over Sovereignty
Discussing economic performance, Nawaz contrasted the PTI years with the period prior to 2018, asserting that Pakistan had been on a path of growth under PML-N rule. He cited lower inflation and higher growth rates during that time, claiming that the nation was progressing before what he views as a disruption in political continuity.
He also raised concerns about Pakistan’s long-term economic challenges, referencing how the Saudi riyal’s value has risen from Rs11 in 1999—when General Pervez Musharraf imposed martial law—to around Rs78 today, as mentioned by an audience member. This depreciation, Nawaz said, has strained households across the country.
Linking economic vulnerability to Pakistan’s reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Nawaz argued that the country has lost the ability to make decisions independently. “If our pace of progress had continued, who knows where we would be today,” he said. “We wouldn’t be worrying about reserves, asking IMF for permission, or depending on foreigners for our decisions.”
Confidence in Current Leadership: Shehbaz and Maryam
Despite his criticism of the past, Nawaz expressed optimism about the present. He said the public had voted for PML-N based on its record and that the party’s current leadership—Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz—were working hard to restore national progress.
According to Nawaz, their efforts have already “taken the economy out of the trenches” and helped Pakistan avoid a potential default. He cited various initiatives at the provincial level as proof of improved governance and renewed development.
Provincial Reforms and Social Welfare Initiatives
Nawaz highlighted several Punjab government projects aimed at easing daily life and expanding social benefits. These include:
- Low-cost housing schemes
- Hospital upgrades and healthcare support
- Student laptop and scholarship programs
- The Suthra Punjab cleanliness initiative
- Green bus services for improved transport
He emphasized that these programs were not only functional but symbolic of a broader commitment to public welfare.
Nawaz also spoke about enhanced security, improved social protection, and the distribution of ration cards and healthcare facilities to vulnerable families without discrimination. Stressing unity and inclusivity, he said, “People of all beliefs and religions are our brothers and sisters.”
A Renewed Political Message
Nawaz’s speech appears to be part of a broader attempt to reassert his position within national politics. By addressing both past grievances and future plans, he aims to reconnect with supporters and reaffirm the PML-N’s claim of steady, experience-based governance.
