- Family source says Nawaz to depart for Pakistan in about a month.
- Shehbaz Sharif heading to London in a week.
- PML-N planning grand welcome for Nawaz’s return.
Pakistan’s political landscape is buzzing with anticipation as Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), is gearing up to make his return to the country by mid-September. According to a source within the Sharif family who preferred to remain anonymous, Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to depart from London, where he has been staying for the past two months, and is expected to land in Pakistan around the middle of September.
Despite the advice from the Sharif family’s legal and political advisors to return immediately after concluding his tour of Europe and the Middle East, Nawaz Sharif has decided to opt for a mid-September return. This decision is believed to have been carefully considered and organized by those closely involved in the negotiations and arrangements surrounding his return.
The former Prime Minister’s family members, including his brother Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam, have been maintaining regular communication with him regarding the developments related to his return to Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif, who recently stepped down from his position as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, is set to visit Nawaz in London within the upcoming week.
Furthermore, prominent PML-N figures such as Rana Sanaullah, Khawaja Asif, Javed Latif, Saad Rafique, Parvez Rasheed, and Irfan Siddiqui are scheduled to visit London in the next few weeks for discussions and planning related to Nawaz Sharif’s return.
The PML-N is reportedly orchestrating a grand welcome for Nawaz Sharif upon his return to Lahore. Hina Pervez Butt, a leading social media activist of the party and former provincial lawmaker, shared that the PML-N plans to rally tens of thousands of supporters to welcome their party leader back home.
It is worth noting that the recent verdict by the apex court on the Supreme Court (Review of Judgements and Orders) Act 2023 is not expected to impact Nawaz Sharif’s legal cases. The Sharif family’s legal team has diligently prepared a comprehensive legal defense for Nawaz, and legal proceedings are expected to begin promptly after his return to Pakistan.
Shahbaz Sharif clarified that the Supreme Court’s decision has no bearing on Nawaz Sharif’s imminent return. Shahbaz emphasized that the prevailing law stipulates a maximum disqualification period of five years, a duration that Nawaz Sharif has completed. With this legal requirement fulfilled, Nawaz Sharif is poised to re-enter Pakistan and engage with the legal proceedings while also leading the PML-N’s election campaign.
Nawaz Sharif’s journey has been marked by significant health challenges. He sought medical treatment in London in November 2019 after falling critically ill while in prison. Allegations were raised by his family that foul play was involved, suggesting an attempt on his life. He underwent treatment at prestigious medical facilities in London, including the Harley Street Clinic and London Bridge Hospital, for a duration of four months.
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Diagnosed with an immune system disorder, Nawaz Sharif’s deteriorating condition led Pakistani doctors to recommend treatment abroad. Despite the best possible care in Pakistan, his health continued to worsen. As he prepares to return to Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif carries with him the hopes and expectations of his supporters and the nation at large.
Nawaz Sharif’s impending return to Pakistan by mid-September is a pivotal event in the country’s political landscape. With his return, the stage is set for legal engagements and an active role in the PML-N’s electoral activities. As Pakistan eagerly awaits his homecoming, the dynamics of the nation’s politics are poised for potential transformation.