PML-N President and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif today demanded accountability for “those who brought Imran” Khan into power, alleging that they were “bigger criminals” than the PTI founder himself.
Speaking to a gathering of newly elected lawmakers, Sharif claimed that Pakistan had been progressing steadily before 2018, pointing to higher economic growth and lower inflation during his tenure. He argued that the country’s economic direction was disrupted by what he termed engineered political decisions.
Sharif also highlighted the long-term impact of currency depreciation on ordinary citizens. Recalling the period when former military ruler Pervez Musharraf imposed martial law in 1999, he said the Saudi riyal traded at Rs11, compared to around Rs78 today — a figure an audience member pointed out. He said such a drastic decline had made daily life unaffordable for many Pakistanis.
The PML-N leader further criticised Pakistan’s financial dependence on the International Monetary Fund (IMF), saying the country could no longer make independent economic decisions due to repeated bailouts.
Sharif’s remarks signal renewed political confrontation as the new parliamentary term begins, with more developments expected in the coming days.
