Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President, Nawaz Sharif, has urged the Supreme Court judges to rethink their decisions to better serve the people.
Speaking at a Punjab government meeting on the solar program alongside his daughter, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Sharif referred to the apex court’s ruling in the reserved seats case, emphasizing the need for the judiciary to prioritize public welfare.
“Those making decisions, like the one in the reserved seats case, need to rethink as they must take care of people,” Sharif stated.
Reflecting on the Supreme Court’s role in the 2017 Panama Papers case, which led to his removal from office following a petition by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan, Sharif questioned, “A man (Imran Khan) roaming the roads was invited to the Supreme Court for justice, which ultimately led to my ousting. Why was this injustice done to the country?”
Sharif also addressed the issue of rising electricity bills, acknowledging the financial strain on citizens. “No one can pay the electricity bill; it has become a burden on everyone. By 2017, bills were lower, and so was the dollar rate. Since 2018, the poor have suffered greatly,” he noted, pledging that his party would strive to provide relief.
Since his party’s failure to secure a majority in the controversial February 8 elections, Sharif has kept a low profile, while his younger brother, Shehbaz Sharif, became prime minister. Recently, Nawaz Sharif reclaimed the PML-N presidency six years after losing it due to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Panama Papers case.
“The country is not being treated fairly,” Sharif remarked, suggesting judicial biases. “We had said goodbye to the IMF, but everyone knows who brought it back.” He highlighted the prosperity of the country during his government’s 2013-2017 tenure.
His comments come a day after Maryam Nawaz sharply criticized eight judges of the 13-member Supreme Court bench that allowed the PTI to reclaim its seats in parliament and assemblies. She accused the judges of destabilizing the country and warned of severe consequences.
“The Supreme Court’s decision (in the reserved seats case) is an attempt to destabilize the country. The judges who delivered this verdict have, in fact, sold their conscience,” she alleged. “Decisions should be based on the law and the Constitution, not personal biases.”
Maryam Nawaz cautioned, “I want to tell the judges of the Supreme Court, let this country function smoothly. We will not allow you to disrupt its progress. Anyone who attempts to derail development and create political instability will be dealt with firmly.”
