LONDON: PML-N’s President Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said that Imran Khan demanded the Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja’s resignation because he was involved in money laundering and knew that this case against him was about to surface. 

“Imran Khan knew that he committed the country’s biggest robbery,” the former prime minister said, criticising PTI Chief Imran Khan while speaking to reporters outside his residence.

The PML-N leader’s comments came following the Election Commission of Pakistan’s announcement regarding the foreign funding verdict.

Nawaz Sharif added that the ECP’s verdict has been issued with complete evidence and facts. “Investigations of the case came to a conclusion after eight years. Everything has now come to the fore,” he said, adding that the ECP’s report holds value.

The PML-N supremo added that Khan schooled the nation about his honesty and how he was the only non-corrupt leader in the country. “He knew that the verdict would cause a stir,” he said while referring to the PTI chief’s fear of being exposed for his “financial manipulation”.

‘Khan on foreign agenda’

He further said that Khan was working in line with a foreign agenda, as he received funds from foreigners.

Nawaz demanded action against the PTI chief, saying that he has destroyed Pakistan. “This man Imran is extremely dangerous for Pakistan and he should be punished as soon as possible,” he added.

Nawaz further stated that Khan brought Pakistan to a dead end. “It is becoming difficult to get Pakistan back on its feet,” he said, condemning Khan for placing the country’s economy “on a ventilator.”

He lamented the increase in inflation and said, “I would strongly urge the government and political parties to analyse this evil,” while slamming Khan for “mistreating Pakistan’s economy”.

‘Mian Saqib Nisar should be punished’

The former premier recalled that the country was progressing and the economy was growing during his era which has been destroyed by Khan. Talking about the former chief justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, who conferred the titles of sadiq and ameen upon Imran Khan, Nawaz said that the judge should also be punished.

“Nisar has committed atrocities along with Khan and directed the National Accountability Bureau to wind up the investigation against the PML-N,” he said, adding that “a time will come when Nisar will have to answer these questions.”

Justice Azmat Saeed should answer how a joint investigation team (JIT) was made over WhatsApp, the former premier questioned the former Supreme Court judge for the injustice he endured.

He also demanded an answer from former CJP Asif Saeed Khosa and alleged that he invited Khan to present his grievances before the court rather than protesting on the streets.

ECP verdict

Earlier today, the ECP – in a unanimous verdict – ruled that the PTI received funds from prohibited sources.

In its verdict, the commission said that the party, in violation of the Constitution, had received funds from 34 foreigners. The party received funds from US, Australia and UAE.

ECP also added that the party accepted funds from a US business personality.