Returning former three-time prime minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif stressed that state institutions, politics and the pillar of the state needed to work together, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Nawaz Sharif, who returned to Pakistan Saturday after spending four years in self-imposed exile, said he has “no wish for revenge” and only wanted the well-being of the public.
He passed these remarks in an address during his homecoming rally at the Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore.
The PML-N supremo began his much awaited speech with a verse.
“I am meeting you today after several years, but my relationship of love with you is the same. There is no difference in this relationship,” he said. “The love I am seeing in your eyes, I am proud of it.”
Nawaz said he never betrayed his supporter nor did he shy from any kind of sacrifice.
“I was put in jails, deported. Fake cases were made against me. Shahbaz Sharif was made against Maryam. But no one left the flag of Muslim League, said Nawaz.
“Tell me, who are they who separated Nawaz Sharif from his nation? We are those who built Pakistan. We made Pakistan an atomic power. We brought an end to loadshedding.”
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He also waved an electricity bill during his speech referring to load shedding and rising electricity prices.
The former prime minister said that the loved ones who are separated from you will never meet again.
“My mother and wife became victims of politics. This wound will never heal.”
He recalled how he couldn’t pay the final respects to his mother, father or wife.
Sharing his emotional ordeal, Nawaz revealed that he approached the jail superintendent with a plea to get information about his wife.
Nawaz disclosed that his request to speak on the phone, a mode of communication outside the prison walls, was denied, highlighting the stringent conditions he faces while serving his sentence.
Adding to his ordeal, Nawaz candidly expressed, "Cots were hard to come by in my prison," further reflecting the challenging conditions he encountered in his confinement.
In a devastating turn of events, the jail superintendent, faced with the heartbreaking task, had to deliver the devastating news of Nawaz Sharif's wife's passing.
The former Prime Minister affirmed his deep love for the country, proclaiming, “I am also a true Pakistani, the love of the country is in my heart." His heartfelt declaration underlines his unwavering commitment to his homeland, resonating with a vast audience of supporters.
During his address, Nawaz delved into historical and diplomatic matters, sharing a remarkable anecdote about a time when "Bill Clinton called him asking not to detonate nuclear weapons, with five billion dollars offered."
In a moment of political discourse, Nawaz Sharif, while discussing current Prime Minister Imran Khan, remarked, "I don't want to take this name. I don't answer brick with stone."
Nawaz Sharif asked that if there was someone else in my place, you know who would have been able to speak in front of the President of the United States? Is this what we are punished for, our government is overturned? We are punished?'
The former prime minister said, "Is that why I was fired?" That’s why I was kicked out? Because Nawaz Sharif did not take salary from his son? What is this decision? Does the Pakistani nation agree with this decision?”
He said that the country will make a comeback after reaching the limit of destruction and they will bring it back to prosperity.
Nawaz fondly recalled his era of economic stability and prosperity, reminiscing about the time when "bread cost 4 rupees, petrol was priced at 60 rupees per liter, and the dollar's exchange rate stood at 104 rupees."
Nawaz expressed his conviction that if his government's economic plans had continued, Pakistan would not be grappling with joblessness today. He highlighted the current grim situation where households face the challenging choice between paying their electricity bills or providing for their children.
In a poignant revelation, Nawaz Sharif noted that people are resorting to borrowing money to pay their electricity bills due to inflation's heavy toll on their finances.
He emphasized that the ongoing inflation woes are not confined to the era of Shahbaz Sharif.
According to Nawaz Sharif, inflation's roots predate Shahbaz Sharif's time in office, urging a more comprehensive examination of the economic complexities facing the nation.
Nawaz provided insights into his vision for Pakistan's economic future, stating that the country was on the path to becoming an Asian Tiger with preparations for G20 participation underway. He acknowledged that those who were initially behind Pakistan have progressed, and Pakistan remained where it was.
The former prime minister shared the challenges he has personally faced, having undergone a two-year trial in Pakistan, culminating in his current address to the people after a six-year hiatus.
Despite facing political sit-ins during his government, he emphasized the substantial infrastructure development under his leadership, including the construction of the Swat Expressway and Lowari Tunnel, which contributed to Pakistan's evolving transportation network.
“I am giving a speech today after six years. I found this bill today. Nasrullah Khan's May 2016 bill was Rs.1317. The same employee's bill for August 2022 is Rs 15687.”
He asked that 'did Shahbaz Sharif increase the price of electricity? Electricity is expensive since you ousted Nawaz Sharif from power.
“I am not offering a cleanup for Shahbaz Sharif.”
Nawaz reiterated that he had forgotten the past after seeing the public’s love, but quoted a verse from Ghalib: “Zindagi apni kuch is shakal se guzri ghalib, hum bhi kya yaad karain gain k khuda rakhte they.”
In a bold assertion, former Prime Minister called upon his audience to ponder the achievements of his tenure and questioned what has been accomplished in the years since.
He pointed to monumental infrastructure projects as evidence of his government's transformative initiatives, including Lahore's Orange Line and Karachi's Green Line, challenging critics to consider these substantial developments.
Nawaz Sharif reiterated his commitment to responsible governance, emphasizing that his leadership did not resort to divisive tactics or disrupt societal harmony.
He lauded the peaceful coexistence of people, particularly highlighting the contentment of women within his vision of Pakistan. He proudly stated that there was no discord that required the silencing of any beats or rhythms.
Reflecting on his leadership, Nawaz Sharif noted that his tenure was marked by planning for the future in accordance with the spirit of the constitution.
He emphasized the need for collaboration between state institutions responsible for upholding the constitution and political leaders, indicating that the progress and prosperity of the nation depended on their harmonious efforts.
He underscored the necessity for unity and collaboration, emphasizing that the country cannot progress without such concerted efforts. Acknowledging the recurrent challenges faced by Pakistan due to fundamental differences, he called for addressing these issues, promising a new journey towards prosperity.
Nawaz Sharif unequivocally conveyed his focus on serving the nation rather than seeking retribution. He expressed a profound desire for the well-being and prosperity of the people, emphasizing that his heart harbored no vendetta.
Drawing attention to the ordeal of his daughter Maryam Nawaz during her arrest, he noted her resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, she demonstrated unwavering courage. Nawaz also recounted the experiences of other prominent political figures, including his brother Shahbaz Sharif and several others who have endured imprisonment and trials.
In a poignant reflection, he highlighted his personal journey, spanning the years from 1990 to the present, during which he was either abroad, incarcerated, or facing legal proceedings.
Former Prime addressed the need to reclaim Pakistan's lost stature, break free from constraints, and usher in an era of prosperity.
He stressed the importance of finding solutions to the nation's economic challenges, particularly in eradicating poverty.
Nawaz underscored the significance of nurturing peaceful relations with neighboring countries and the global community.
He emphasized that progress cannot be achieved through conflicts with neighbors and advocated a dignified approach to resolving the longstanding issue of Kashmir.
Reflecting on history, he lamented the separation of East Pakistan, pointing out the missed opportunity of an economic corridor between the eastern and western regions of Pakistan. He implied that the lack of unity and harmony had resulted in this loss.
Addressing the issue of revenge, Nawaz Sharif reiterated that his intentions are focused on changing Pakistan's destiny rather than seeking retribution.
He asserted that his words were carefully chosen and carried the essence of his convictions.
During his speech, Nawaz Sharif held the flag of Palestine, condemning the perceived oppression faced by the Palestinian people.
He empathized with the challenges faced by Pakistanis and called for a diligent and determined approach to tackling these issues. He encouraged the nation to embrace challenges head-on, acknowledging the path ahead is difficult but not insurmountable.
Expressing his strong resolve, Nawaz Sharif proclaimed his commitment to rebuilding Pakistan, envisioning the nation as an IT powerhouse. He promised to initiate a new journey with unwavering enthusiasm, vowing to accelerate progress and address pressing issues.
Homecoming
After spending over four years in self-imposed exile in London, former three-time prime minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif's charter plane that landed earlier at Islamabad International Airport reached Lahore..
A visibly emotional Nawaz embraced his daughter Maryam and greeted other party leaders on stage.
Afterwards, PML-N’s Khawaja Saad Rafique read out his party’s resolution condemning Israeli atrocities on Palestinians.
Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the profound significance of the occasion, as people from all walks of life travelled thousands of miles to be part of this historic rally. He commended the unwavering dedication of workers and the overwhelming turnout of the masses.
"Nawaz Sharif is not just a name; he is the embodiment of struggle, passion, and unwavering dedication to this nation," declared Shehbaz Sharif, resonating the sentiments of the gathered multitude.
Highlighting the historic nature of this rally, Shehbaz Sharif noted, "In the span of 76 years, there has not been a gathering of such magnitude at Minar Pakistan."
Expressing his gratitude, Shehbaz Sharif extended a warm welcome to his brother, Mian Nawaz Sharif, amidst thunderous applause and enthusiasm from the audience.
The event was described as a celebration of unity, as people from diverse backgrounds and regions joined hands to welcome "the son of the nation," reflecting a shared sense of hope and optimism.
Throughout his address, Shehbaz Sharif underlined the immense contributions of Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan, noting that Nawaz Sharif has consistently altered the destiny of the nation for the better.
He acknowledged Nawaz Sharif's role in ending the darkness of load shedding, transforming Pakistan into a nuclear power, and his unwavering commitment to the nation's progress.
Nawaz arrived in Islamabad in the afternoon, where he completed legal and biometric formalities. His chartered plane landed in the capital city with more than 150 people from his party and media organisations, PML-N said.
Afterwards, Nawaz left for Lahore and reached his hometown a little after 5pm.
Upon his arrival in Lahore, former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and other PML-N leaders welcomed Nawaz. From the airport, Nawaz Sharif reached at Minar-e-Pakistan in a helicopter to address a gathering.
Nawaz Sharif's copter landed at historic Lahore Fort where senior PML-N leadership welcomed him.
Before heading to the venue for his speech, Nawaz Sharif offered Magrib prayers.
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Before his arrival in Mainr-e-Pakistan his daughter Maryam Nawaz reached the venue amid rapturous welcome. A teary-eyed Maryam also gave a short address to the gathering.
PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz thanked all the supporters gathered at the Greater Iqbal Park.
"Alhamdulillah, I'm very happy today. Today is a big day," she said.
"Despite people saying that his politics has come to an end, he is back with all the due respect," Maryam said.
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Maryam Nawaz said the vengeance that her party faced from their opponents was "the greatest injustice".
"Nawaz Sharif's supporters were sincere; that's why God did not let Nawaz lose. Cruelty has been eradicated today, spring is coming again," she added.
Maryam Nawaz said that Pakistan will once more see former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's "rise to power "once more".
Maryam said Nawaz was back in the country after years to counter inflation and economic mismanagement.
“I thought Minar-i-Pakistan was a huge venue, but I didn’t know it would turn out to be small for PML-N supporters,” she said, urging supporters to give Nawaz a historic welcome when he reached Minar-i-Pakistan.
Alongside Maryam, former Punjab chief minister Hamza Shehbaz described how streets in Lahore were packed with supporters. “This is the Pakistan of 2018,” he said.
She said, while standing next to former Punjab CM Hamza Shehbaz, that the talk about the rift in the PML-N was anything but a reality.
The PML-N chief executive also claimed that despite the presence of a mammoth gathering at the Minan-e-Pakistan, 90 percent were stuck outside as it was already jam-packed.
His plane took off from Dubai International Airport at 10:42 am Pakistan Standard Time and was expected to touch down at the Islamabad Airport after 1:30pm on Saturday noon, but it landed around 1:40 pm.
As many as 163 people were present in the plane along with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. He will consult with his legal team at the airport.
There was great hustle and bustle at the Dubai Airport where Nawaz Sharif was accorded special protocol by the UAE authorities.
The special Fly Dubai flight FZ 4525, which was originally due to depart Dubai at 9:30 AM but faced a delay of over an hour for unexplained reasons.
The party leaders and journalists accompanied the PML-N supremo on his journey back home.
PML-N leader Mian Nasir Janjua, Irfan Siddiqui, PML-N president Zubair Gul from the UK, Parvez from the Netherlands and PML-N chief Zahoor-ul-Haq from France were also among those travelling with Nawaz Sharif on the charter plane, nicknamed as Umeed-e-Pakistan.
Nawaz Sharif's media talks at Duabi Airport
Earlier, talking to the media at Dubai Airport, Nawaz Sharif while distinguishing himself and his party from the PTI chairman and his party, former prime minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif said that he is the one who had detonated nukes on May 28, 1998 and not the one who had masterminded attacks on military installations on May 9, 2023.
It bears mentioning that May 28 is the day when Pakistan conducted its nuclear tests in 1998 when Nawaz Sharif was prime minister of Pakistan. Resisting the mounting world pressure, then Nawaz-led government went for the bold decision to test the Pakistani nukes, thus balancing the strategic slanting power in the region.
On the other hand, May 9 brings the most horrific memories of the tragic day when the military installations, public buildings, and properties were vandalized and torched in a series of violent incidents following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan from the grounds of Islamabad High Court. The events left a black trail of public enmity and shame behind them.
Nawaz Sharif fhas said that he would accept whatever date the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) sets for general elections.
He has claimed he is returning home after getting a ‘clean chit’ in all graft cases.
Nawaz has further said it pains him to see the situation the country was going through. “It is sad that the country instead of developing has gone downhill,” he said, and questioned as to where is that Pakistan where medicines were available free of cost? “This is certainly not the Pakistan which I had left in 2017,” he has said, adding, “In that year, people were getting jobs and were being provided treatment facilities for free.”
The question is, he has said, that who is responsible for the country’s plight. “Anyhow we should not lose heart as still we can make the country stand on its own feet,” he hoped.
He has recalled that he and his daughter Maryam Nawaz had attended close to 150 court hearings. “It is unfortunate that despite the fact that Maryam did not hold any public office, still she was declared guilty and put behind bars,” the former prime minister complained.
Arrival at Islamabad Airport
Nawaz Sharif arrived in Islamabad this noon after four years of self-imposed exile. Regarding his arrival, the Civil Aviation Authority released a special charter flight schedule.
The special flight carrying Nawaz Sharif departed Islamabad for Lahore at about 4:30 pm and the aircraft is expected to land at Allama Iqbal Airport at about 5:00 PM.
The special flight carrying Nawaz Sharif has a seating capacity of 194 people.
Lahore leg
Nawaz Sharif's plane will be brought to Old Terminal or Hajj Terminal at Allama Iqbal International Airport, where the former premier will be received by senior party leadership.
It is to be noted that the general workers and leaders of the party have been asked by the PML-N not to throng the airport.
Party sources have informed that Nawaz Sharif is likely to go to Jati Umra by helicopter on his return home, where he will visit the graves of his parents, wife and brother. After staying at Jati Umra for 2 to 3 hours, Nawaz Sharif will reach Minar-i-Pakistan by helicopter to address a public rally.
Nawaz Sharif is likely to reach Minar-i-Pakistan after 6 pm and by then the speeches of other central leaders will have been completed.
On the arrival of Nawaz Sharif, fireworks will be displayed for more than 10 minutes.
On the other hand, the party workers have left for Lahore from all over the country to participate in the Minar-i-Pakistan ground rally on the return of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif.
On the occasion of the return of Nawaz Sharif, caravans of Pakistan Muslim League-N workers have left for Lahore from all over the country to participate in the welcome-home rally at Minar-i-Pakistan.
League workers left Karachi by train, while workers from different areas of Gilgit, Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also left in caravans by train and vehicles.
Apart from this, Minar Pakistan including Lahore has been decorated like a bride with electric lamps. In this regard, the League leaders held a rally at Minar-i-Pakistan on Friday night, in which Maryam Nawaz and Hamza Shehbaz participated and encouraged the workers.
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The PML-N has hired services of two small aircraft to shower rose petals in Lahore between 3:00pm and 6:30pm today.
The Civil Aviation Authority has granted permission to a private company for this purpose.
A helicopter that will bring Nawaz Sharif to Minar-i-Pakistan has made two sorties for the rehearsal of the event.
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Yesterday, the PML-N supremo reached Dubai to fly to Pakistan on Saturday ending his four years of self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom. He had left the country on medical grounds in November 2019. He was serving a jail term when he was allowed to go to England for medical treatment.
Ahead of his arrival, Nawaz had secured protective bail in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases until October 24 from the Islamabad High Court. NAB Special Prosecutor Afzal Qureshi told the court that the anti-graft watchdog did not object to pleas moved by him.
In July 2018, ousted Nawaz was handed 10 years in jail in the Avenfield properties corruption case and one year for not cooperating with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which was to be served concurrently.
The 73-year-old is one of the country's wealthiest men, with a fortune earned in the steel business, but is admired by supporters for his approachable "man of the soil" demeanour.
Often draped in a red Gucci scarf, his political fortunes have risen and fallen on his relationship with Pakistan's powerful military establishment.
Fans call him "the Lion of Punjab", the eastern and most populous province where his support is strongest, and he is known to parade big cats at extravagant political events drumming up support.
Nawaz Sharif is widely believed to have continued pulling the strings of his PML-N, even after his brother Shehbaz Sharif led them to power last year in a coalition ousting Imran Khan.
Nawaz first took power in 1990 with the blessing of the establishment, but was forced out three years later by corruption allegations -- a theme that has dogged his career.
He had lived for years in Saudi Arabia and London -- where the Sharif family has extensive luxury properties -- only to return to Pakistan each time with renewed zeal.
The South Asian nation is facing overlapping security, economic and political crises ahead of polls already pushed back to January 2024, with Sharif's primary opponent, the fiercely popular Imran Khan, languishing in jail.
"This is a time for hope and celebration. His return bodes well for Pakistan's economy and its people," said Khawaja Muhammad Asif, a senior leader of Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.
His return has been touted for months by the PML-N, whose leaders hope Sharif's political clout and "man of the soil" swagger will revive its flagging popularity.
Sharif has been prime minister three times, but was ousted in 2017 and given a lifetime disqualification from politics after being convicted of corruption.
He served less than a year of a seven-year sentence before getting permission to seek medical care in the United Kingdom, ignoring subsequent court orders to return during former prime minister Imran Khan's government.
His fortunes changed when his brother Shehbaz Sharif came to power last year and his government oversaw changes to the law, including limiting the disqualification of lawmakers from contesting elections to five years.
Sharif's return has likely been smoothed by a deal between the establishment and his party to prevent significant legal hurdles, said analyst Zahid Hussain.
"There was some sort of arrangement with the military establishment; without that he wouldn't have decided to come back," he told AFP.
"Sharif's key challenge is first to establish himself and his party as viable options to replace Imran Khan, who is already popular, and secondly to turn around the economy," said political analyst Ayesha Siddiqa.
Reporters Awias Kiyani, SAif Tayyab and Input from Agencies