Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President and former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday said that the PML-N was not responsible for PTI losing its electoral symbol of ‘bat’, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, he said that neither Nawaz nor he snatched the party’s electoral symbol.
“PTI did not conduct inter-party elections and the entire country is witness to the apex court proceedings.
“They should have argued in court. PML-N had lost its electoral symbol of ‘lion’, and if the ‘bat’ was in play today, then we would have had competition.”
Dismissing any intentions of causing distress, Shahbaz Sharif clarified that Nawaz Sharif never made statements about making others cry.
“PTI founder (Imran Khan) should seek apology to Allah Almighty in this rehard.”
He said upcoming elections would decide the fate of Pakistan, urging voters to use their votes after examining the past.
Shehbaz said that meetings with economic experts do not guarantee political success, and the people of Pakistan will ultimately choose their representatives in the upcoming elections, expressing confidence in his party's ability to win the hearts of voters.
The former PM asserted that effective diplomacy requires collective endeavors, suggesting that the country can reap substantial benefits through Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
He said that the people would exercise their right to vote on Feb 8 – the day which according to him – would decide the country’s fate.
Shehbaz Sharif pointed out that the PML-N has launched its election campaign, which will be carried out by party’s top leadership, including Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and Hamza Shehbaz.
He also regretted the ouster of three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif – which according to him – halted the country’s growth. “The country was on the path of prosperity with Nawaz Sharif’s commitment,” he said, adding that everyone knows what happened in 2017.
The former premier also pointed out the “achievements” of PMLN-led government, which also included end to loadshedding and developing of agriculture sector and
Shehbaz also addressed criticisms regarding his party's performance during its previous stint in power, stating that the PML-N government actively invested in education and youth development initiatives. He further asserted that the party will present its manifesto outlining its vision for the future soon.
Terming former chief justice Saqib Nisar ‘a pawn’, Shehbaz regretted that the former was used to overthrow Nawaz Sharif-led government – which halted the country’s progress. “The country would have reached many milestones if Nawaz Sharif wasn’t ousted,” he added.
“A conspiracy was hatched in the country, which later witnessed record-breaking inflation, and the agreement with IMF [International Monetary Fund] was jeopardised,” he pointed out.
The PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that the 16-month government of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) saved the country from bankruptcy and brought economic stability.
“If asked in the court of Allah, I would say that Pakistan was saved from bankruptcy.”
Shehbaz Sharif maintained that the survival of the state was the priority and not politics or remaining in power, expressing no regret in that outcome.