Pakistan – In a forceful and politically charged address, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif has called for sweeping accountability of those he claims were responsible for installing Imran Khan into power, describing them as “even bigger criminals” than the former premier himself.
– Speaking to newly elected party lawmakers, Sharif sharply criticised the forces he believes engineered the 2018 political landscape. He asserted that Pakistan was progressing steadily before what he termed a “planned disruption” that reversed economic stability and weakened national institutions. He pointed to indicators such as the value of the Saudi riyal — once around Rs 11 — to argue that the country had been set on a disastrous path by decisions made during and before Khan’s tenure.
Sharif accused these “powerful facilitators” of orchestrating a political experiment that plunged Pakistan into inflation, dwindling growth, and widespread uncertainty. According to him, the real accountability must extend beyond political figures to those who, from behind the scenes, “manipulated democratic processes” and shaped the national crisis that followed.
The PML-N leader reiterated that the country’s economic distress, political polarisation, and institutional strain did not occur in isolation. He emphasised that holding all involved parties accountable is essential for restoring public trust and ensuring Pakistan does not repeat “historic mistakes” that derail democratic progress.
Political observers note that Sharif’s remarks signal a renewed push by the PML-N to shift public debate toward the broader network of influence that contributed to recent political turmoil. With the party entering a new phase of governance, the call for accountability is expected to intensify discussions within power corridors and among the public.
As Pakistan’s political temperature rises, all eyes now turn to whether these demands will translate into meaningful action — or whether they will deepen the long-standing rifts that have shaped national politics.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.