The chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has strongly criticized what he sees as a "complete breakdown of our justice system." He has characterized Nawaz Sharif's return to Pakistan, the leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as the realization of a "London agreement."
In a statement initially released by his family on October 24 but later tweeted from the official PTI account on Friday, the former prime minister, who was ousted from power through a parliamentary vote the previous April, expressed his concerns about the current state of the legal system.
He stated, "My fellow Pakistanis! In recent days, we have witnessed a blatant disregard for the law. What is happening is not just the execution of a London 'plan' but a London 'agreement' that was signed between a fugitive and a corrupt criminal, along with their associates."
This statement was made six days after Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan from a self-imposed exile in London, which lasted for four years, starting on October 21. Nawaz Sharif, a three-time former prime minister, was granted protective bail in two corruption cases, and arrest warrants in another case were temporarily suspended before his return, making his reentry into the country smooth.
The PTI chairman expressed his disappointment at the leniency shown to the PML-N leader, stating, "The only way a convicted criminal can reenter politics with a clean slate is by undermining the state's institutions.
Consequently, what we are witnessing is the complete breakdown of our justice system." Furthermore, the former PM asserted, "My fellow Pakistanis! Please remember that all the cases against me are entirely baseless and driven by political interests, created solely to keep me imprisoned either until after the elections or potentially much longer.
However, the growing political awareness and the increasing resistance against behind-the-scenes conspiracies in my nation unsettle those behind such actions."
The PTI chief also shared information about his health during his time in jail, assuring, "Currently, I am in good physical condition. I would certainly notice any signs of weakness in my body."
Despite these challenges, he encouraged the people to continue their efforts and revealed that the party leadership had been advised to start election campaigns.