LAHORE: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif expressed on Sunday his deep regret for being denied the opportunity three times to transform the country into an economic powerhouse.

In an audio message played at a rally held at Liberty Chowk to mark the 25th anniversary of Pakistan’s successful nuclear tests on May 28, 1998, Mr Sharif, said that each time he assumed power, conspiracies were orchestrated to impede his efforts in developing Pakistan’s economy, education, healthcare, and other sectors.

Recalling the development projects undertaken during his prematurely curtailed tenures, including infrastructure development, power generation, and efforts to restore peace in Karachi, Mr Sharif emphasizsed that his performance should be evaluated in comparison to those who only caused damage during their respective terms in power.

He questioned the motives of his opponents, wondering why they would harm the thriving economy by removing him from power in 2017.

As the leader of his faction of the Pakistan Muslim League, Mr Sharif said that on May 28, 1998, he emphatically rejected all threats and incentives of billions of dollars in aid, ensuring that Pakistan did not have to conduct nuclear tests in response to India’s actions.

He highlighted the symbolic contrast between May 28, 1998, and May 9, 2023, when there was an attack on army installations followed by Imran Khan’s arrest.

He described these dates as representing two different realities—one symbolizing love for the country and the other representing hatred.

Sharif expressed hope that the day is not far when those who misled the younger generation and fueled hatred in the country would be exposed.

Earlier, PML-N Chief Organizer Maryam Nawaz criticised Imran Khan for seeking assistance from the United States, the same country against which Imran had accused of conspiring to overthrow his government through a no-confidence motion.

She portrayed Imran as a coward, suggesting that if he had been ruling Pakistan in 1998, he would have hidden instead of responding to India’s nuclear tests. The reference to a dustbin alluded to Imran’s use of a security gadget during court appearances.

Referring to the large-scale defections in the PTI following the tragedy on May 9, Maryam highlighted the unwavering loyalty of Nawaz Sharif’s supporters during Imran Khan’s allegedly tyrannical four-year rule, contrasting it with the PTI chairman’s lieutenants who deserted him. She argued that the people would remember those who contributed to nation-building rather than those who caused destruction.

In response to Imran’s complaints about being implicated in terrorism cases, Maryam affirmed that those involved in terrorism would be tried under anti-terror laws, not celebrated.

She concluded by acknowledging that May 28, 1998, filled Pakistanis with pride for their homeland, while May 9, 2023, brought shame and disappointment.

Our correspondent in Toba Tek Singh adds: Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah addressed PML-N workers during the Yaum-i-Takbeer event in Faisalabad, emphasizing that the successful rally has solidified Faisalabad as a stronghold of the PML-N. He asserted that as a nuclear power, Pakistan is not vulnerable to any malicious intentions, thanks to the countless sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army to ensure the safety of its people.

He criticized Imran Khan for generating hatred and chaos from 2014 to 2023. He accused Imran of inciting his workers to burn images of martyrs and creating a narrative of a foreign conspiracy when his government lost power. He also mentioned Imran’s campaign against the Pakistan Army, which only fueled animosity. Referring to a statement made by Imran about finding no place to hide during a long march, Sanaullah stated that it is Imran who will eventually find himself without an escape. Sanaullah condemned the looting, arson, and destruction of Jinnah House by Imran’s supporters. The minister questioned the need to negotiate with Imran, considering his past actions.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2023