Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has made controversial statements, pointing fingers at the powerful military establishment for the nation's difficulties. In a conversation with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates, Sharif emphasized that internal factors, not external influences, were to blame for the country's challenges. He accused the military of orchestrating the government's selection through rigged 2018 polls, resulting in the people's suffering and economic decline. Sharif didn't stop there; he also criticized the judiciary for supporting military dictators while holding prime ministers accountable.

He specifically targeted former ISI chief Gen Faiz Hamid for his role in his 2017 ousting and mentioned a case opened in the Supreme Court against those who feared their efforts would be wasted if Sharif was released from jail. Additionally, the three-time former prime minister blamed the military establishment of 2014-17 for coercing senior judges to remove him from power, alleging threats and interference in court verdicts.

Sharif's return from a four-year exile in October was met with controversy, as he accused the military establishment of making decisions to install their preferred candidate in power. The high-profile leader has faced multiple corruption cases, with his recent acquittal in the Al-Azizia Steel mill case adding to previous acquittals in the Avenfield and Flagship corruption cases. Sharif's bold accusations and confrontations with powerful institutions in Pakistan continue to make headlines.