PTI Chairman Imran Khan took to Twitter on Thursday to criticise statements made by ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif in which the latter had blamed the judiciary for his ouster.
The former premier had said on Wednesday that "millions of people voted to elect their leader but unfortunately a few conspired to overthrow the democratic government."
Commenting on his disqualification by the Supreme Court, Nawaz had claimed that there was "not even a single allegation of corruption" against him, "so they [the apex court] de-seated me for not receiving a salary from my son".
The PTI chief, while giving advice to Sharif on what he termed the ‘saving corruption rally’, said that the former prime minister “can blame the umpires, the pitch, the weather and some of your players”.
Imran challenged Nawaz that he can do whatever he can think of to shift the blame, “but in the end you can't avoid the sinking feeling that the game is over and you have lost”.
He further said that soon Nawaz will himself realise that the people are not interested in hearing “your excuses of poor umpiring”.
The PTI chief also criticised Nawaz for taking refuge in the container and hiding behind a bulletproof glass. “Speaking from a bulletproof car doesn’t inspire confidence in already-dwindling crowds,” he said.
If you [Nawaz] fear death [so much] then you shouldn’t undertake ‘peoples’ rallies, Imran commented.
Responding to the criticism levelled by the PTI chief, Maryam Nawaz replied to Imran Khan’s tweet saying, “Nawaz Sharif’s struggle is bigger than all…”.
“You [Imran] have lost it completely. Your heartburn is understandable. You're irrelevant,” she said.
Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif's procession entered its second day on the streets, with the PML-N leader resuming a long road trip back to his hometown, Lahore, via the Grand Trunk (GT) Road on Thursday after an overnight stay in Rawalpindi.
"My government is gone now. Five judges sent me packing in one minute despite the votes of millions of people. Is this not an insult to the millions who voted for me?" said Nawaz while addressing a political gathering upon his arrival at Jhelum on Thursday evening.
"Five 'respectable' judges, with one stroke of the pen, sent your prime minister packing. Can you bear this insult?" he asked his followers.
