Former PM Nawaz Sharif Announces Return to Pakistan: A Game-Changer for the Political Landscape?

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is set to end his four-year self-imposed exile and return to Pakistan next week. Sharif, a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, will first travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage and spend time with his son. During his stay in the Gulf Kingdom, Sharif plans to primarily stay in Medina. He is expected to leave for the UAE two days before arriving in Pakistan and may meet with some party leaders there. Contrary to media reports, there are no scheduled trips to China or Qatar before his arrival in Pakistan.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senator stressed that the party's narrative of "honour the vote" remains unchanged and enjoys the support of the people. Sharif's planned speech after landing in Lahore is said to be visionary, presenting a new path forward for the nation. Sharif, who recently expressed excitement to lead his party in the upcoming elections, has already booked a business class ticket on Etihad Airways for his return. The flight is set to touch down in Lahore on October 21st. Sharif stepped down as prime minister in 2017 after being disqualified for life by the Supreme Court for not declaring a receivable salary.

Since 2019, he has been residing in London after being granted permission by the Lahore High Court to seek medical treatment abroad. Notably, Sharif was serving a seven-year prison sentence in the Al-Azizia Mills case before being allowed to go to London. He was also declared a proclaimed offender in the Toshakhana vehicles case in 2020 and has faced accusations of obtaining luxury vehicles from the treasury house at a significantly reduced price.

In 2018, he was convicted in the Al-Azizia Mills and Avenfield corruption cases. The uncertainty remains regarding Sharif's fate upon his return, as he has already been declared an absconder and could potentially face arrest. However, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has planned to secure a protective bail, enabling him to address a rally before potentially going to jail. The nation awaits Sharif's return and his anticipated impact on the political landscape.