PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has officially announced that his party’s legal team has given the green light for former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan on October 21. He emphasized that Nawaz Sharif is determined to come back to the country and face the law and Constitution.
Nawaz Sharif has been in self-imposed exile since 2019, departing for London during his seven-year jail term on medical grounds. During his absence, he was declared a proclaimed offender in the Al Azizia and Avenfield graft cases due to continuous non-attendance at legal proceedings.
Last month, Shehbaz Sharif had confirmed his elder brother’s planned return to Pakistan on October 21, stating that Nawaz was prepared to confront “all kinds of circumstances” upon his return from London.
Earlier today, a recent medical report on Nawaz Sharif’s health was submitted to the Lahore High Court. The report indicated that the PML-N leader still had “some residual anginal symptoms” requiring regular follow-up investigations in both London and Pakistan.
In a media briefing in Lahore, Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence in Nawaz Sharif’s return, saying, “As it is in your knowledge that Nawaz Sharif will, God willing, return on Oct 21. I want to respectfully say that you shouldn’t ask if he is coming or not; this is confirmed now.”
Shehbaz also reflected on the challenges faced during his tenure as the head of the Pakistan Democratic Movement, highlighting issues such as floods, inflation, protests, and the risk of default. He emphasized the significance of avoiding a national default and thanked Nawaz for his support in these testing times.
The PML-N president elaborated on Nawaz Sharif’s contributions to Pakistan, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the country’s nuclear capabilities. However, he lamented the disruptions and setbacks that derailed Pakistan’s progress.
Shehbaz Sharif stated that Nawaz Sharif would unveil his plan for the country’s future at Minar-e-Pakistan on October 21. He assured that this program would accelerate Pakistan’s growth and change its destiny. He also mentioned Nawaz’s strong international relations with countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, emphasizing their potential for attracting investments, not loans.
Responding to questions about being labeled the “establishment’s man,” Shehbaz pointed out the personal sacrifices he and Nawaz had made, including imprisonment. He also addressed the issue of journalist Imran Riaz Khan, stating that he would look into the matter.
When questioned about accountability, Shehbaz Sharif called for accountability across the board and stressed the importance of free and fair elections with outcomes accepted by all.
