Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), is gearing up for his return to Pakistan on October 21, according to an announcement made by his brother and former Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. This development comes as the country approaches the forthcoming general elections.
During a press conference, Shehbaz Sharif disclosed the much-anticipated return date of Nawaz Sharif, who has been residing in London since November 2019 due to health reasons and legal issues. The former Prime Minister faced a lifetime disqualification in 2017 by the Supreme Court for failing to declare a receivable salary.
The decision regarding Nawaz Sharif’s return was made following consultations within the PML-N leadership, culminating in the announcement. Shehbaz Sharif also credited his brother for Pakistan’s significant achievements, including becoming a nuclear power, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the elimination of 20-hour electricity load-shedding in the country. He mentioned that Nawaz Sharif had declined a substantial financial package in favor of prioritizing Pakistan’s interests.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that if the developmental momentum from 2013 to 2018 had not been disrupted by the controversial 2018 elections, Pakistan would be considerably ahead in terms of progress. He stated that the journey of development would resume from where Nawaz left off in 2017 when he was removed from power under contentious circumstances, adding that it was not Nawaz but the people of Pakistan who were deprived of development and prosperity.
Regarding the possibility of delayed elections, Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that it is the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan to hold timely polls and expressed hope that the electoral body would fulfill this duty impartially.
The London meeting, which played a pivotal role in finalizing the return date, was attended by prominent PML-N figures, including Suleman Shehbaz, Hassan Nawaz, former federal minister Khawaja Asif, Malik Mohammad Ahmed Khan, and Nasir Janjua. The discussions covered the party’s election strategy, Nawaz’s return, and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) stance on the elections.
Meanwhile, former federal minister and party spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb affirmed Shehbaz’s announcement on the microblogging site X, stating that Nawaz Sharif’s return would be a momentous occasion warmly welcomed by the people.
Nawaz Sharif’s self-imposed exile began on November 19, 2019, when he fell seriously ill in prison. His family alleged that the government and its supporters had attempted to poison him. After receiving medical treatment in London, Nawaz Sharif continued to reside there due to his deteriorating health, despite medical care efforts in Pakistan.
The upcoming general elections have been mired in controversy and speculation, primarily due to delays in the electoral process. The dissolution of the National Assembly, Sindh, and Balochistan assemblies by the PML-N-led coalition government aimed to allow the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to conduct elections within 90 days, instead of the usual 60 days if the constitutional tenure is completed. If held within the 90-day limit, the elections would take place on November 9, 2023. However, the schedule for new delimitations announced by the ECP indicates that the elections are likely to be held after the 90-day mark, with various stages extending beyond that timeframe.
The controversy surrounding delimitation and the determination of constituencies remains a critical issue, adding complexity to the electoral timeline.
Nawaz Sharif’s return on October 21 is expected to inject significant energy and dynamics into Pakistan’s political landscape, setting the stage for an intense and closely watched election season.