Lahore, Pakistan: Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif asserted on Saturday that he possessed an audio recording purportedly featuring former chief justice Saqib Nisar suggesting his removal from office to facilitate the ascent of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan.During a party gathering in Lahore, the 74-year-old three-time former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader demanded repercussions for judges allegedly involved in his 2017 dismissal from the premiership. Expressing discontentment with the perception of himself and his party among the Pakistani populace, Sharif disclosed plans for his re-election as party president on May 28.
Sharif’s disqualification as Prime Minister in 2017, following Panama Papers-related corruption allegations, prompted his removal from the party presidency, subsequently assumed by his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif until his recent resignation.
Condemning his ouster, Sharif criticized the circumstances surrounding his removal and revealed the possession of an audio recording purportedly featuring former CJP Nisar advocating for his removal in favor of Imran Khan. He called for an investigation into the alleged conspiracy against him and his administration, particularly targeting retired Justice Mazahir Ali Naqvi for alleged improprieties.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the voting outcome of the February 8 general elections and the perceived indifference of the Pakistani electorate towards his party, Sharif questioned the nation’s rationale behind their voting choices and criticized their silence during his removal from office.
Despite his return to Pakistan in October following a four-year self-imposed exile in London, Sharif’s aspirations for a fourth term as prime minister were thwarted by Imran Khan’s party, which emerged victorious in the elections. Nevertheless, Sharif’s PML-N formed a coalition government, with Shehbaz Sharif assuming the premiership.