• At Swat rally, PML-N supremo lambasts PTI’s tenure, vows better governance if elected
• Regrets how KP enabled Imran to extend influence to Punjab, other provinces

SWAT: PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on Thursday criticised the four-year rule of Imran Khan, accusing him of plunging the country into multiple crises, both internally and externally, and regretted that the people of Khyber Pakhtun­khwa were trapped by unfulfilled promises regarding jobs, housing and environment.

Speaking at an election rally in the Grassy Ground in the Mingora city of Swat district, Mr Sharif pledged to deliver improved governance if elected to power in the next week’s elections.

“Where are the 5,000,000 houses promised by Imran Khan? Where are the billion trees? All I can see are denuded mountains,” the three-time prime minister said. “How were you fooled and trapped by someone who pledged to provide 10 million jobs and five million houses and yet failed to deliver even a single home?” he said.

Mr Sharif was flanked by PML-N chief organiser Maryam Nawaz, party’s KP president Amir Muq­am, and other party leaders from the Malakand division, which includes the nines districts of Baj­aur, Buner, Lower Chitral, Upper Chitral, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Malakand, Shangla, and Swat.

Referring to Imran Khan, Mr Sharif regretted that KP’s people first brought an “incompetent man” in the province and subsequently extended his influence to Punjab and other provinces. “This lack of capability has resulted in widespread damage across various sectors of the country,” he said.

Drawing attention to economic concerns, Mr Sharif compared the affordability of essential commodities during his tenure with the current situation, emphasising the rising prices of vegetables, sugar, gas and electricity.

He lamented the significant price hikes, noting that sugar, which he said was priced at Rs35 per kg during his tenure, has soared to Rs170 per kg under the current government.

Mr Sharif also criticised the performance of the PTI government in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alleging a lack of progress despite a decade-long rule. “If I ruled for 10 years in this province, it would be the most advanced and beautiful province of the country today.”

Reflecting on his own governance, the PML-N supremo claimed that if his rule had not been interrupted, there would have been no unemployment, and the country would have experienced significant development.

Mr Sharif also accused the PTI government of neglecting infrastructure projects, specifically asking the public where the 300 promised dams were.

He asserted that during his tenure, load-shedding was eliminated from the country, contrasting it with the current situation where electricity and gas prices have escalated significantly with long hours of load-shedding in KP and other parts of the country.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her address, extended greetings to the people of the Malakand division, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming turnout in Swat. She noted the significance of Nawaz Sharif’s presence at the gathering, contrasting it with his previous attendance from London.

Accusing PTI leader Imran Khan of hypocrisy, Ms Sharif highlighted that while his own children lived in London, KP’s youth were incarcerated and facing difficulties.

Addressing the challenges faced by the PML-N, Maryam Nawaz highlighted the “resilience” of Nawaz Sharif amid adversity, emphasising his continuous dedication to the country’s betterment despite facing obstacles.

She also called out those responsible for initiating legal proceedings against Nawaz Sharif, asserting that their attempts to discredit him had ultimately failed.

As for KP’s political landscape, Maryam Nawaz criticised the previous government’s lack of tangible progress despite a decade in power in the province. “Where are the opponents of Nawaz Sharif? Where are those who claimed that Nawaz Sharif would never be able to return to politics?” she asked.

Maryam Nawaz emphasised her refusal to accept special treatment while incarcerated, highlighting her “principled stance” of refusing privileges in prison.

Concluding her address, she urged voters to consider the significance of their vote in the next week’s elections, framing it as a pivotal decision affecting the future of their children and the nation.

Earlier, Mr Muqam warmly welcomed Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz, expressed support for Mr Sharif’s leadership, and urged voters in Malakand division to vote for PML-N in the upcoming elections on Feb 8. Mr Muqam expressed confidence in Mr Sharif’s ability to lead the country as prime minister once again.

Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2024