Nawaz Sharif Returns To Pakistan: The King Is Back

Nawaz Sharif, former prime minister of Pakistan, returns to the country after four years of self imposed exile. PML-N welcomes him back with a grand rally in Lahore.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned to the country on Saturday, October 21, after four years of self-imposed exile. His return marks a significant development in Pakistani politics and has significant implications for his party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as well as the upcoming elections.

Sharif's Return: A Gamble for PML-N

The PML-N's official Twitter handle expressed jubilation at Sharif's return, stating that he is "back to restore Pakistan's glory." Much is at stake for the PML-N, one of the three major political parties in Pakistan, with Sharif's return and the Lahore rally ahead of the elections. Sharif's return has energized the party and its supporters, who see him as a charismatic leader who can lead the country out of its current economic and political challenges.

Legal Challenges Ahead

Despite the jubilation, Sharif's return is not without its challenges. He faces several legal cases, including the Avenfield and Al-Azizia corruption cases, in which he has been convicted and sentenced. To avoid arrest upon his return, Sharif's legal team approached the Islamabad High Court, which granted him protective bail until October 24. However, the legal challenges ahead could potentially derail his political ambitions.

Implications for the Upcoming Elections

Sharif's return is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming elections. His homecoming rally in Lahore was seen as a show of strength and a clear message to his rivals that he is still a force to be reckoned with in Pakistani politics. The PML-N hopes that Sharif's return will galvanize its support base and help the party secure a victory in the elections.

The Role of the Military Establishment

Sharif's return has also raised questions about the role of the powerful military establishment in Pakistani politics. The military has ruled the country for more than half of its existence and has traditionally wielded considerable power in matters of security and foreign policy. Sharif's opponents and political analysts have suggested that his return was made possible with the "blessings" of the military establishment. The extent to which the military will influence the upcoming elections and Sharif's political future remains to be seen.

Nawaz Sharif's return to Pakistan is a significant development with far-reaching implications for the country's political landscape. While his homecoming rally was a show of strength for the PML-N, the legal challenges ahead and the role of the military establishment will play a crucial role in determining the success or failure of his political comeback. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test for Sharif and the PML-N, and the outcome will shape the future of Pakistani politics.