Nawaz Sharif Accuses Imran Khan of Provoking Tension Between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
LAHORE: Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has accused PTI leader Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, of attempting to incite conflict between the people of Punjab and PTI-ruled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Speaking at an event in Lahore related to the provincial government’s subsidized housing project, the PML-N leader referenced “Central Asian invaders” to make his point, though he refrained from directly naming the PTI chief. Sharif alleged that Khan’s behavior mirrored that of ancient invaders who targeted Punjab.
“You want to provoke a clash between KP and Punjab, just like the invaders from Central Asia who attacked Punjab in ancient times. Instead of stirring unrest, focus on serving the people of KP,” Sharif stated, further criticizing those who follow Khan blindly, comparing them to “sheep and goats.” He questioned Khan’s unfulfilled promises, particularly his pledge to build five million houses during his tenure.
Sharif also criticized PTI’s governance in KP, stating, “His (Khan’s) performance in KP has been dismal. Despite his party’s third consecutive government in the province, they have failed to meet the expectations of the people. Their only focus seems to be on protests and street riots.”
Reflecting on Khan’s past statements, Sharif recalled the 2014 sit-in, where Khan vowed to “drag me with a noose around my neck.” Sharif urged Khan to learn humility, reminding him that “you reap what you sow.”
Sharif’s sharp criticism comes nearly a month after he called for an across-the-board dialogue to resolve the country’s crises. However, this proposal has gained little traction, particularly after the government intensified its crackdown on the PTI following a public gathering in Sangjani, Islamabad. In response, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur made a bold statement, asserting that their ‘revolution’ had begun and vowing to respond to police bullets with bullets.
Nawaz Sharif’s Criticism of 2017 Ouster
Sharif also revisited his controversial removal from power in 2017 following the Panama Papers case, condemning the judiciary for his ouster. He criticized the decision of five judges, stating, “I was removed from office for not taking a 10,000-dirham salary from my son. What an injustice!” He also referenced a leaked audio of former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, in which Nisar allegedly stated that he needed to imprison Sharif and his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, while bringing Imran Khan to power.
Sharif recounted a meeting he had with Khan in 2014, during which Khan allegedly agreed not to stage any protests against his government. However, according to Sharif, Khan broke that agreement after traveling to London and returning to spearhead the sit-ins.
Maryam Nawaz’s Critique of Imran Khan
At the same event, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who accompanied her father, criticized Imran Khan for spreading chaos instead of focusing on public welfare. She questioned whether Khan had ever advocated for better facilities for the people of KP while in jail, adding that his focus has always been on creating unrest.
Addressing PTI workers indirectly, Maryam stated, “If you come to Punjab seeking healthcare, jobs, or education, our doors are open for you. But if you come to cause chaos, we won’t allow it.”
The event highlighted the ongoing tensions between the PML-N and PTI leadership, underscoring the political divide as both parties gear up for the next phase of political confrontation.
