Former prime minister of three times and head of Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif on Saturday marked his return to Lahore's historic Minar-e-Pakistan monument after concluding his self-imposed exile in London that lasted four years.
Here are key takeaways from his speech:
1. Nawaz Sharif emphasized that he has no desire for revenge and wishes for the well-being of the people.
2. He acknowledged that some wounds take time to heal but assured he holds no grudges.
3. He completed legal and biometric formalities in Islamabad to make bail, granted by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Oct 19.
4. At one point, Nawaz Sharif seemed to talk about Imran Khan who is currently in jail. He said that he didn't want to mention names because of his upbringing and values.
5. PML-N chief addressed the emotional aspect of his return and emphasized his enduring relationship with the people.
6. He mentioned how he faced "fake cases" and framed charges, but his supporters did not abandon the PML-N flag.
7. Nawaz Sharif highlighted the accomplishments of his tenure, including making Pakistan an atomic power and ending load shedding.
8. He compared the rising costs of essentials like roti and petrol today to when he was in power, questioning whether he was ousted for these reasons.
9. The former prime minister recalled the sacrifices he made for the nation, including losing his mother and wife to politics.
10. He discussed the tragic moment when he couldn't attend his wife's funeral despite repeated requests.
11. Nawaz Sharif shared his firm stance in a meeting with then-US President Bill Clinton in 1999, where he refused an offer of $5 billion against Pakistan's interests.
12. He raised concerns about economic conditions and unemployment, stating that if Pakistan followed his 1990 economic model, there would be no unemployment or poverty.
13. Nawaz Sharif claimed that Pakistan's economic problems weren't created during Shehbaz Sharif's government but had deeper roots.
14. He waved electricity bills, suggesting that the rise in costs was not Shehbaz Sharif's doing but a long-standing issue.
15. The ex-premier refrained from taking names but indicated that he did not need to mention specific individuals.
16. He stressed the need for state institutions, politics, and all pillars of the state to work together for the country's betterment.
17. Nawaz Sharif emphasized the importance of strengthening the Constitution and removing issues affecting the nation repeatedly.
18. He urged a new journey, focused on reclaiming Pakistan's lost position, breaking free from dependency, establishing a strong foreign policy, and solving the Kashmir issue honourably.
19. Nawaz Sharif encouraged the youth to seek a better future and noted that the path may be challenging but not impossible.
20. He took a subtle dig at Imran Khan and noted that carrying prayer beads is a personal matter and doesn't need to be displayed publicly.
