In Lahore, Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, the President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and former Prime Minister, announced that thrice-ousted former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan on October 21 to face legal proceedings and adhere to the country’s laws and constitution.
Shehbaz stated that his party’s legal team had given clearance for Nawaz’s return, who has been residing in London in self-imposed exile since 2019. Nawaz had left for London in the middle of a seven-year jail term on medical grounds and has subsequently been declared a proclaimed offender in graft cases due to his prolonged absence from legal proceedings, including the Avenfield and Al Azizia cases.
Earlier today, a fresh medical report was presented to the Lahore High Court, indicating that Nawaz Sharif would require “frequent follow-up investigations” for lingering cardiac symptoms both in London and Pakistan.
Shehbaz emphasized that there should be no doubt about Nawaz’s return, stating, “I want to respectfully say that you shouldn’t ask if he is coming or not, this is confirmed now.” He began his address by recalling the 16-month tenure of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition government led by his party and the challenges they faced during that time, including floods, inflation, protests, and the risk of default.
He discussed the consequences of a potential default and expressed gratitude to Nawaz for supporting the government during that critical period. Shehbaz mentioned Nawaz’s contributions to the country, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the development of the country’s nuclear capabilities, while lamenting that certain events had hindered Pakistan’s growth trajectory.
Shehbaz also alleged massive rigging in the 2017-18 elections, leading to a change in results and the introduction of a pre-planned model that he believes harmed the nation. He expressed optimism about Pakistan’s journey towards prosperity resuming with Nawaz’s return and mentioned that Nawaz would outline his vision for the country’s future at Minar-e-Pakistan on October 21.
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