Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif asserted on Monday that his current foray into politics is not driven by a pursuit of the prime ministership through electoral contests.
Addressing a charged crowd in Mansehra, the former premier said "I have not come to become the Prime Minister to contest elections," asserted Nawaz Sharif, highlighting his primary focus on addressing the issues faced by the people.
The PML-N chief, who had last visited Mansehra in 2013, remarked that little had changed since then, prompting him to inquire about the locals' sentiments during his absence.
Mr Sharif asked, "Were you sad without me? I was more sad than you; these people took me away from you. I am very happy to see you, but I am not happy to see the situation of the country."
Expressing concern about the state of the nation, Sharif emphasised that witnessing the people's enthusiasm should silence any criticism.
"No one will have the courage to speak after seeing the enthusiasm of the people," he declared, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the country.
Questioning the performance of those who ruled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the past decade, Nawaz Sharif challenged, "Did they make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa New Pakistan?" He urged critics to visit the motorway, a project initiated during his tenure, as evidence of development.
Promising future initiatives, the PML-N leader pledged to build Mansehra Airport if the party comes into power.
He lamented missed opportunities during his previous tenure, asserting that had he not been expelled, Mansehra would have had an airport and a metrobus system by now.
Reflecting on his administration's achievements, Sharif stated, "If there had been my government, no youth would have been unemployed in Mansehra. We built the motorway, and when it was ready, I was in jail."
He revealed plans that were interrupted, including the intention to extend the motorway up to Karachi.
Criticising the current economic situation, Sharif asserted, "There was no inflation during our time; these oppressors have ruined the country." He pledged to leave no stone unturned to make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the best province and called for collective efforts to achieve this goal.
