Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) Supremo Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday clarified that his motivation is not revenge but accountability, asserting that those responsible for orchestrating actions against the nation should be held answerable.
Addressing the parliamentary board meeting, the deposed premier warned that without accountability, the challenges faced by the country would persist.
He highlighted the judicial affirmation of the hollowness of the charges, particularly in the Panama case, where the courts found no substance.
Sharif acknowledged the challenges faced, including the removal of his Iqama, saying the intention was to punish him and potentially strip him of his political position.
Nawaz Sharif bemoans 'controversial verdicts'
Reflecting on the legal proceedings, Mr Nawaz shared his dismay over the global perception of the verdict. He pointed to remarks made by judges, likening them to terms such as "Sicilian mafia" or "Godfather," which he deemed as unprecedented and detrimental to the country's image.
Nawaz Sharif lamented that the process became a subject of ridicule internationally, portraying a lack of procedural fairness.
While he acknowledged the personal toll on himself and his family, he emphasized that the repercussions extended far beyond, affecting the entire Pakistani population of 25 crore people. He insisted that the verdict against him and his family was, in essence, a collective punishment for the nation.
The PML-N leader disclosed personal struggles during his detention, revealing that he had pleaded multiple times to communicate with his wife but was denied the opportunity.
He highlighted the emotional wounds inflicted during this period, asserting that such experiences could never fully heal.