Public Rejects Negative Politics, Says Nawaz Sharif
Former Pakistani Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif has said that the recent Punjab by-election results demonstrate a clear public rejection of what he called the politics of lies, hate, and chaos.
Addressing newly elected lawmakers in Lahore, Sharif said voters had delivered a decisive message. According to him, the electorate refused to endorse any party that promotes confrontation and political hostility.
He also criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for announcing a boycott of the by-polls while allegedly allowing some members’ families to contest. PTI declared a boycott, yet Omar Ayub’s wife participated in the election. What kind of boycott was that? he asked.
Criticism of PTI’s Governance Record
Sharif strongly criticised PTI’s 2018–2022 tenure, arguing that the government’s policies pushed Pakistan to the brink of collapse.
He said inflation rose dramatically during that period. Pakistan’s headline inflation did reach record highs in those years. Sharif compared this with the inflation rate under his government, claiming that prices had remained far more stable during his tenure.
According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data, inflation peaked above 35 percent in 2023. Sharif said that under PML-N’s previous government, inflation had been significantly lower. When we were in power, inflation stood around 3 percent, he stated.
He added that the country could have achieved stronger economic standing internationally if political continuity had not been disrupted. If the development process had not been halted, Pakistan would hold a strong position on the global stage today. There would be no IMF anxiety, he said, referring to Pakistan’s repeated need to seek International Monetary Fund bailouts over the past decade.
Those Who Brought Imran Khan to Power Share the Blame
Sharif accused PTI of fostering what he described as a culture of disrespect, misinformation, and confrontation. He said that merit was ignored, institutions were weakened, and political polarisation intensified.
These destructive trends did not arise on their own, he said.
In a pointed remark, he stated: The PTI founder is not the only one responsible. Those who facilitated his rise to power are equally guilty.
Although Sharif did not explicitly name institutions or individuals, the comments reflect a long-standing PML-N position that the 2018 elections were manipulated in PTI’s favour.
By-Election Results Seen as a Turning Point
Discussing the recent polling outcome, Sharif said the results show a rejection of negative and provocative politics. PML-N won a majority of the contested seats, which party leaders have framed as a sign of renewed public confidence.
Analysts note that voter turnout in by-elections is usually lower than general elections. However, the results carry symbolic value at a time when Pakistan faces economic hardship, political polarisation, and recovery efforts after years of instability.
Sharif congratulated the successful PML-N candidates and urged them to focus on governance, service delivery, and economic revival.
Promises of Development and Welfare Initiatives
Sharif highlighted ongoing development and welfare programmes, saying the government is working to restore merit and strengthen public institutions. He mentioned several initiatives, including:
-
acceleration of infrastructure projects
-
distribution of laptops to students
-
construction and rehabilitation of roads
-
expansion of green bus services
-
improvements in law and order
-
provision of ration cards to vulnerable families without religious discrimination
He assured that more initiatives will be announced soon and urged new lawmakers to maintain close engagement with their constituencies.
A Continued Political Divide
Nawaz Sharif’s latest remarks come at a time of deep political divide in Pakistan. PTI leaders continue to contest the legitimacy of recent elections, while PML-N argues that stability requires moving beyond the confrontational politics of the past decade.
As Pakistan attempts to navigate economic challenges, Sharif’s comments indicate the party’s effort to position itself as a force for stability and development, while placing responsibility for past crises squarely on PTI and those he believes supported the party’s rise.
