"I still have Saqib Nisar's audio ordering my ouster," claims Nawaz Sharif

LAHORE: Former Prime Minister and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has claimed possession of an audio recording involving former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, in which Nisar allegedly ordered his removal from office and the installation of Imran Khan as the country’s leader.

Sharif made these remarks during the inauguration of the "Apna Ghar, Apni Chhat" scheme in Lahore.

Expressing delight over the launch of the program, Nawaz Sharif congratulated Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards utilizing public funds for the welfare of the people.

He praised the interest-free loan initiative aimed at helping underprivileged citizens secure homes, stating that such programs exemplify good governance.

Sharif also criticized the performance of previous governments, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), pointing out that many KP residents sought medical treatment in Punjab due to a lack of adequate healthcare facilities in their own province.

He questioned the promises made by the former ruling party, particularly the much-touted Billion Tree Project, and highlighted the lack of significant progress during their leadership.

Reflecting on his own political career, Nawaz Sharif lamented that his governments were never allowed to complete their full terms, which hindered the implementation of development programs.

He emphasized his party’s contributions, such as combating terrorism and making Pakistan a nuclear power, contrasting these achievements with what he described as the repeated failures of his political rivals, particularly their reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial stability.

The remarks come amid growing political tension in Pakistan, as Nawaz Sharif continues to criticize the role of the judiciary and other political actors in shaping the country's governance trajectory.