Former Prime Minister and PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif has faced criticism for his “victory speech” following the recent elections, with prominent journalists, TV anchorpersons, politicians, and analysts advising him to respect the election results and concede defeat if he truly values the integrity of the vote.

Senior anchor and journalist Syed Talat Hussain advised Nawaz Sharif to refrain from claiming victory when there is nothing to celebrate, urging him to accept the voice of the people and only claim what is legitimately his.

Mohammad Zubair Umar, a Sharif loyalist and former governor of Sindh, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the beauty of democracy lies in accepting defeat gracefully.

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Other voices within the PML-N also urged the party leadership to honor the vote and respect the mandate of the people, highlighting the importance of democratic principles.

Some analysts remarked that defeat was evident on the faces of the Sharifs during their purported victory speech, suggesting that it resembled more of a concession than a celebration.

Foreign affairs expert Dr. Huma Baqai emphasized that the election results have established PTI as a political reality, urging everyone to acknowledge this fact and back off gracefully for the sake of national stability.

Senior journalist Rauf Klasra suggested that Nawaz Sharif should learn from Saad Rafique’s example, concede defeat, and allow other political leaders to form an alliance for the greater good of the country.

Overall, there was a widespread call for all political parties to respect the democratic process and the will of the people, with many expressing concerns about the impact of perceived electoral manipulation on Pakistan’s democratic credentials.