Nawaz lashes out at Imran, ex-CJP Nisar in his first address as PML-N president

Lahore: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif declared that his return nullified the lifetime disqualification verdict rendered by former Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar.

“Let the workers celebrate today, Ahsan Iqbal. But I want to ask Saqib Nisar who removed him. The workers are happy today because they have brought me back. Celebrate not just my victory and return, but the fact that Saqib Nisar’s decision has been thrown into the dust-bin," said Nawaz Sharif while delivering his first speech as president of the PML-N, after six-year long hiatuts, during the general council meeting in Lahore on Tuesday.

Nawaz Sharif strongly criticized former judges for their decisions. "I'm standing here," said Sharif. "Celebrate not just my return but also the overturning of Saqib Nisar’s decision. Call them today. Nawaz is back. Why did you make that decision? The decision was about why Nawaz Sharif did not take salary salary from his own son. I never asked your son for the salary," he continued.

He welcomed party leaders and workers, expressing pride in their unwavering support for PML-N. "I'm proud of you all," Sharif said, congratulating them and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He praised Shehbaz Sharif for standing tall and emerging victorious during challenges, despite attempts to create rifts between them. "Shehbaz Sharif went to jail for this bond but he did not betray me," said Nawaz, hoping the bond remains strong.

Nawaz also commended Maryam Nawaz for her struggle and courage, mentioning her arrest. He praised Hamza Shahbaz for his resilience and highlighted the contributions of other party leaders like Khawaja Saad Rafique, Rana Sanaullah, Hanif Abbasi, Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Asif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Khawaja Salman, Nihal Hashmi, Ahad Cheema, Yousaf Abbas Sharif, Hafiz Numan, Kamran Michael, Fawad Hassan Fawad, and Miftah Ismail.

Reflecting on his political journey since 1985, Nawaz Sharif emphasized the PML-N’s role in pulling the country out of crises. He lamented that had his government not been removed, Pakistan would have been a stronger power. "The tug of war since 1947 is unfortunate," he said. Sharif recounted achievements like ending load-shedding, fighting terrorism, restoring peace in Karachi, building motorways, and launching CPEC.

He criticized Imran Khan, alleging that all cases against him are valid and accusing him of undermining the government through sit-ins planned abroad. Nawaz accused PTI of being a product of a third force and questioned Imran Khan’s integrity.

Nawaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan's nuclear tests as a major achievement, rejecting offers to halt them. He urged Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz to work hard, promising better days ahead. He called on party leaders and workers to support him if elected again as party president, seeking a commitment to reorganize the party and serve the country.