Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's legal team has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court seeking protective bail for him ahead of his scheduled return to the country on October 21. The petition aims to restrain authorities from arresting Sharif upon his arrival. The former prime minister, who was convicted in graft cases and declared a proclaimed offender, is seeking protective bail to surrender before the court and avail remedies under the law.

The petition highlights his health issues and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic as the reasons for his delayed return. The Islamabad High Court is expected to hear the plea in the next two days to ensure Sharif's smooth landing and rally in Lahore. Sharif's return after nearly four years of self-imposed exile is seen as significant for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party's general election campaign.