In an important political development, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has been re-elected as the president of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) unopposed after six years.

The decision, announced at the general council meeting held at the party secretariat in Model Town, Lahore, marks a momentous return for the former prime minister, who addressed the party workers with a renewed commitment to the party’s principles and goals.

Saqib Nisar’s verdict trashed

During his address, he emphasized the loyalty and resilience of the party members, who he said had “trashed” the controversial decision of former Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar.

The former CJP had disqualified Sharif on the grounds of not drawing a salary from his son’s company, a ruling that had led to Sharif’s removal from the office. “I did not take a salary from my son, and I certainly did not ask for a salary from your son,” Sharif asserted, highlighting the perceived injustice of the disqualification.

The PML-N president also praised the steadfastness of his brother, Shehbaz Sharif, who has stood by him and the party through thick and thin. He acknowledged Shehbaz’s challenges, including his journey to the prime ministership, and commended his loyalty and dedication.

“Shehbaz Sharif did not bend, he stood with me and the party, and he passed the test of party presidency,” Nawaz stated, underscoring the unity within the party leadership.

Zaheer-ul-Islam

In his fiery speech, Sharif referenced former spy master General Zaheer-ul-Islam’s own admissions about experimenting with different parties and ultimately backing PTI, suggesting that Khan’s rise to power was orchestrated by external forces.

“General Zaheer-ul-Islam himself has said that they tried all the parties and invited the third force, believing it could deliver results. They saw this potential within PTI. Imran Khan should tell us if this third force was not him, then who was it?” he demanded.

Nawaz Sharif challenges Imran Khan

He issued a direct challenge to Khan, saying, “If the third force was not you, then I promise to retire from politics and go home.”

The former premier asserted that the same individuals who supported PTI founder Khan also undermined his own government and derailed democracy. He recalled the threats made during the sit-in at the Prime Minister’s House, where it was said, “Nawaz Sharif, we will put a rope around your neck and bring you out.” He referenced the “umpire’s finger” Imran Khan often alluded to during his political campaigns.

Sharif demanded that Khan answer these allegations before addressing him further. “Imran Khan should first answer these questions to the nation and then talk to us. We are the ones who stood firm on May 28, rejecting Bill Clinton’s $5 billion offer not to conduct nuclear tests. We did not sell out, unlike others who are mere rejects of that era,” he asserted.

The PML-N president challenged Imran Khan to reveal whether he was not the ‘third force’ referred to by retired General Zaheer-ul-Islam. Sharif demands to know who Imran Khan’s ‘umpire’ was, and insists that Khan must answer these questions to the nation before engaging in any further dialogue.

Sharif has vowed to leave politics if Imran Khan denies being the ‘third force’, emphasizing that Khan is a product of the same establishment forces that have manipulated Pakistani politics for years.

“Had I plundered 460 billion, and you let me go, I wouldn't have a problem either”

The PML-N president criticized the ousting of the PML-N government, asserting that had it not been sent packing, the country would not be facing poverty and would be enjoying prosperity. He highlighted that during his tenure, the prices of food items were significantly lower than they are today.

Sharif accused a small group of individuals of undermining Pakistan’s prosperity. “The prosperity of Pakistan was taken away by only four or five people,” he said. He criticized his disqualification for not taking a salary from his son, questioning the fairness of such decisions.

“In which country are such decisions made? If I had plundered 460 billion, like Imran Khan’s Al-Qadir Trust, and you let me go, I wouldn't have a problem either,” he added.

He condemned these few individuals for destroying the people’s mandate and demanded to know why false cases were fabricated against him and his party. He contrasted this with Imran Khan, who he claimed now faces true and justified cases. “Tell me which case against Imran Khan is false,” he challenged.

He accused Khan of starting his political career by relying on others, referencing a controversial tape. "You started politics by sitting on their shoulders. Listen to that tape today. There was no need, but you went to them anyway," Sharif remarked.