Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has once again shown his disconnect from the reality of Pakistan’s politics and society. In a recent speech, he claimed that the real youth of the country support his party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and that only the “mummy daddy” class supports Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Sharif’s remarks are not only insulting and divisive, but also reveal his desperation to regain his lost popularity and legitimacy. He seems to be living in a bubble, where he thinks that the youth of Pakistan are still enamored by his rhetoric of development and democracy, and that they are oblivious to his corruption and misrule. He fails to acknowledge that the PTI came to power in 2018 with the overwhelming support of the young voters, who were fed up with the status quo and wanted a change.
Sharif’s use of the term “mummy daddy” to belittle the PTI supporters is not only derogatory, but also ironic. He himself belongs to a wealthy and privileged family, who has amassed a fortune through dubious means and has enjoyed the perks of power for decades. He has no moral authority to lecture the youth about patriotism and sacrifice, when he himself has been convicted of corruption and has fled the country to avoid accountability. He has no right to talk about democracy and the people’s will, when he himself has undermined the institutions and the constitution of the country. He has no vision to offer to the youth, except for his personal vendetta and ego.
The youth of Pakistan are not naive or gullible. They can see through Sharif’s lies and hypocrisy. They are the future of the country. They are not the property or the pawns of any political party and have their own aspirations and opinions. They have their own voice and their own vote. They will not be swayed by the empty slogans and the cheap shots of the likes of Nawaz Sharif. They will support the party that delivers on its promises and serves the interests of the nation. They will support the party that respects and empowers them.