With Imran Khan locked up for now and an interim setup in place, all eyes are on the imminent return of Nawaz Sharif back to Pakistan. The return is impending before the next elections if the PML-N wants to breathe life into the election campaign to return to power.
The former prime minister left for London four years ago in 2019 on the pretext of seeking medical treatment and hasn’t returned ever since. He was vilified by the PTI for failing to return and was declared a proclaimed offender. Despite the collapse of the PTI government and his brother taking control, the PML-N supremo still did not return.
Over the last year since the ouster of Imran Khan from power, several PML-N leaders have been making statements that the elder Sharif is returning. In the last week of June, Nawaz Sharif arrived in Dubai during which it was speculated that he was preparing for his return. But the enthusiasm died out after he returned to London instead.
What exactly was hindering Nawaz Sharif’s return remains unclear. Shehbaz Sharif even formed a committee to remove any legal hurdles including Nawaz’s conviction in the Panamagate scandal. The PML-N government eventually passed a law capping the maximum sentence to five years, which was meant to specifically benefit him. No date emerged even then.
PML-N leaders have claimed Nawaz Sharif will be returning next month in September. Even Shehbaz said that Nawaz Sharif will return and will be the party’s candidate for prime minister. However, there are still concerns that the field is not set for Nawaz’s return yet for caretaker government might create issues upon his return.
It should be realized that Nawaz Sharif could return once the election schedule is announced. It is widely expected that the elections will be delayed. Until then, there is nothing concrete on Nawaz’s return. It may be wishful thinking for the PML-N but Nawaz still faces several corruption cases and has not mended his ways with state institutions.
Given the political situation, it is perhaps the ideal time for Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan. He has been provided several opportunities for a level-playing field and cannot expect the entire stage should be set for him to assume control.
