PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif has said that time has proved that he was right when he opposed war with India on Kargil and that if elected again he would improve relations with neighbours including India.

The former prime minister spoke with party leaders and workers in Lahore as his party gears up for the upcoming general election in the country.

Nawaz Sharif recalled how Pakistan’s economy prospered under his rule until 2017 but then he was replaced with an ‘anaari’ (inexperienced) person, who mismanaged the economy and ruined it.

He said every time he became prime minister he properly managed the affair, but he does not know why he was removed from power. “We said there should be no war in Kargil. Was it for this that I was ousted? We were right. Today time has proved that we were right. We did the right thing. Our decision taken at the time was correct.”

Sharif said the never hesitated when taking bold decisions whenever it involved the question of the country’s respect and dignity. He cited his decision to test nuclear devices in May 1998.

Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan cannot make progress when its relations with neighbours are frosty. “How could it be possible that your neighbours are unhappy with you and you rise on the world stage.”

Sharif said Pakistan needs to put its relations with India, Afghanistan and Iran on the correct course. “We need to strengthened our affairs with China,” he said.