Nawaz’s narrative

In recent remarks, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif criticized not only his long-time rival Imran Khan but also his supporters for their lack of resistance following his ouster in 2017. Sharif highlighted his belief that dignified nations stand against injustices, pointing to what he views as a political landscape mired in anarchy and chaos. As he lambasted the PTI’s governance failures, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he also expressed frustration at being ousted prematurely – claiming that, had he been allowed to complete his term, the country would be far better off today. Sharif’s recurring theme of victimhood and the shadow of his removal has led to critics accusing him of clinging to the past, with repetitive references to achievements like the motorways and a constant return to his 2017 ouster. To them, the country has moved on, and Nawaz should do the same, rather than lingering in nostalgia. They suggest that his fixation on past grievances overshadows a forward-looking agenda, especially in an era where political dominance is shaped more by a compelling narrative than a proven track record.

But is it fair to ask Nawaz Sharif to ignore his past and not address the circumstances of his removal? For many, his reflections are a stark reminder of the disruptions Pakistan has faced due to extrajudicial interference in democratic processes. Under Nawaz, Pakistan experienced an upward trajectory; economic growth was palpable, and stability seemed within reach. His narrative, which he presents as a protest against institutional overreach, is not just an exercise in nostalgia but a statement on what he views as a larger injustice. From his perspective, his removal was not a result of non-performance but a calculated effort to reshape Pakistan’s political landscape, setting the stage for the PTI’s ascent and subsequent governance woes. Indeed, the issue goes beyond Nawaz’s lamentations and his alleged refusal to evolve. In many ways, he’s grappling with a new political reality shaped by his rival. Imran Khan has proven that in today’s Pakistan what wins hearts is the power of the narrative. Imran’s ascent, fuelled by a conspiratorial storyline rather than verifiable achievements, has redefined the rules of the game. His popularity soared not because of his governance record but because he effectively harnessed a message that resonated, true or not, with the frustrations and aspirations of Pakistanis.

For Nawaz, this reality is both a challenge and a caution. He must realize that while he can remind the nation of his tenure’s successes, he must also adapt to the political zeitgeist. Imran Khan has shown that perception can trump reality, and Nawaz, if he wishes to remain relevant, must find a way to bridge his legacy of tangible achievements with a narrative that captures the public’s imagination. The PML-N must repackage its message for the digital age, where soundbites matter as much as substance, and perception can obscure performance. In a political landscape increasingly detached from accountability, Nawaz’s challenge is not just to point out his achievements but to engage with Pakistanis on the same emotional level that Imran Khan has so deftly navigated. It’s a question of merging past accomplishments with a compelling vision for the future. To win back the hearts and minds of the people, he must reorient his message for a new generation.