Nawaz Sharif, the charismatic leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N), recently addressed a fervent election rally in the NA 130 constituency of Lahore. His message was clear: it’s time to bring back the golden era of Pakistan that thrived under his leadership. With nostalgia-tinged promises and a touch of populism, Nawaz Sharif painted a picture of a bygone time when “five rotis were available for Rs 20 ” and unemployment was negligible, and prosperity reigned.
I think Nawaz Sharif is not talking about the past decades ago. Just revisit the country of 2015 and 2106 and one can find the answer. In those years, a roti was available for Rs 5 and a liter of petrol at Rs 65. And what about the dollar?
Hardly Rs 105 per dollar.
Past is what even God cannot change and no one can bring back the lost time.
Nawaz Sharif’s speech revolved around a central theme: restoring Pakistan’s past glory. He yearns for days of economic stability, affordable food prices, and a thriving job market. He envisions a nation where the national flag is respected and Pakistani passports hold weight on the global stage. This idealized vision resonated with the crowd, their cheers echoing his promises of “resettling houses,” providing “employment to youths,” and “decorating their future.”
There is a debate ongoing that nawaz Sharif is exploiting the power of nostalgia.
Nawaz Sharif’s rhetoric taps into a powerful sentiment: nostalgia for a perceived better time. By invoking memories of economic stability and security, he connects with voters who feel disenchanted with the present. He positions himself as the leader who can resurrect those “good old days,” offering a stark contrast to the current economic hardships and political uncertainty.
It is time to go for future.
In a stirring rally speech, Nawaz Sharif masterfully blended nostalgia, populism, and political ambition, resonating with voters’ yearning for stability and prosperity. However, the potency of his words raises critical questions about the feasibility of his promises as Pakistan approaches elections.
Central to Sharif’s address was his emphatic focus on legal exoneration, emphasizing the departure of judges involved in his conviction. This narrative serves to vindicate his innocence in the eyes of supporters who believe he was unjustly targeted.
Yet, the potential pitfalls of relying solely on nostalgia loom large. While a powerful tool, it’s imperative for Sharif to offer concrete solutions and address contemporary challenges. Overemphasizing the past risks distracting from present realities and future possibilities.
Crucially, engaging with the youth is paramount. Pakistan’s sizable young population represents a significant voting bloc. Sharif must address their concerns and aspirations, not merely catering to the older generations nostalgic for the “good old days.”
When it comes to youth, Maryam Nawaz connects with them. She was also out in the field on Monday.
Addressing a fervent rally in Lahore’s NA 130 constituency, Maryam Nawaz called for decisive action on February 8. She emphasized the significance of every vote in propelling the country’s development, declaring that no one should stay at home on that crucial day.
Reflecting on her past support for Nawaz Sharif during challenging times, Maryam Nawaz underscored the unity within PML-N, stating, “Every worker of this constituency is Nawaz Sharif, Nawaz Sharif and PML-N are not competing with any political party. They are May 9 people, and we are May 28 people.”
Maryam expressed Nawaz Sharif’s dedication to the people’s well-being, citing concerns over the rising cost of living, exorbitant electricity bills, and five years of tireless service. She rallied the crowd, asserting that the time for passive observation has passed, urging women and youth not to remain at home after today.
She urged supporters to take action on February 8, declaring, “You have to pick up the people of May 9 and throw them out of Pakistan.” She stressed the responsibility of casting votes with care and invoked the narrative of May 9 and May 28, urging supporters to contribute to the development of the nation.
