Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, disclosed that he was offered a staggering $5 billion in 1999 by then-US President Bill Clinton to refrain from conducting nuclear tests. This revelation comes in the wake of his return to Pakistan after a four-year self-imposed exile in the UK.
Sharif’s Return and Remarkable Revelation:
Nawaz Sharif, aged 73, returned to Pakistan on a special flight from Dubai. His return marked the beginning of his political comeback as he aims to lead his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party and potentially secure a record fourth term in the upcoming general elections expected to be held in January.
As Sharif addressed his supporters upon his arrival in Lahore, he donned a light blue kurta pyjama, a maroon muffler, and a black coat. Lahore, a stronghold of the PML-N party, witnessed a massive rally where he shared his insights into past events and the pressures faced during his previous tenure as prime minister.
A Bold Response to India’s Nuclear Tests:
During his speech, Sharif recalled the intense international pressure he encountered in 1998 when India conducted nuclear tests. In response to India’s atomic explosion, Pakistan aimed to conduct its nuclear tests. However, it was during this critical moment that then-US President Bill Clinton approached Nawaz Sharif with a remarkable offer.
According to Sharif, Clinton presented a deal offering a colossal sum of $5 billion to deter Pakistan from conducting the nuclear tests. Sharif’s response was a testament to his dedication to Pakistan’s interests. “There will be a record present in the Foreign Office that Clinton offered me USD 5 billion… this happened in 1999… I could have been offered USD 1 billion too, but I was born from the land of Pakistan, and it did not give me permission to accept what is against Pakistan’s favor,” he stated.
Sharif emphasized that he, unlike others, remained steadfast in his commitment to his nation’s interests. He proudly asserted, “We conducted the atomic test and gave India a befitting reply for conducting nuclear tests.” He also questioned the fairness of any verdicts against Pakistan for this reason.
A Promising Political Comeback:
Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan has rekindled the political landscape. He vowed to steer Pakistan toward growth and progress, acknowledging the challenges the country faces today. As he addressed the crowd, he expressed his determination to redirect Pakistan’s trajectory, highlighting the issues of rising food costs and the state of the nation.
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Source: India Today
