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What awaits Nawaz Sharif in Pakistan as he is set to return after 4 years

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Sushim Mukul
Sushim MukulSep 29, 2023 | 17:47

What awaits Nawaz Sharif in Pakistan as he is set to return after 4 years

Nawaz Sharif will return to Lahore from London after 4 years. Photo: PML-N/DailyO

The imminent return of former Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif from his nearly four-year self-imposed exile in London is being received with both anticipation and uncertainty in Pakistan.

  • As he prepares to make his way back home next month, Nawaz Sharif is faced with numerous challenges and opportunities that could significantly impact the nation's political future.
  • Pakistan at the moment faces a plethora of challenges from financial instability, political turmoil, and numerous internal matters relating to national security and hunger.
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Why is Nawaz Sharif going back to Pakistan?

First and foremost, Sharif may be the face leading the PML-N to the general elections scheduled for January- February 2024.

  • As a result, supporters and party members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have already geared up for a grand welcome, with life-sized posters of the three-time former PM on the streets of several cities in Punjab.
  • Rallies and gatherings are also being held to announce his much-anticipated arrival.
  • The Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N), is also planning to gather a crowd of one million people in Lahore on October 21, the day he is expected to return.
  • Many on Sharif's side of the line view the return as a potential remedy to the economic and political woes that have plagued Pakistan since April of 2022.
  • The PML-N-led PDM (the alliance), led by his younger brother, Shehbaz Sharif, as Prime Minister from April 2022 to August 2023 is already facing public anger over its economic management.

But, apart from the pomp and show what 'really' awaits him?

Legal troubles

  • As we speak, Pakistan's anti-graft body, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), is reportedly reopening four corruption cases against Nawaz Sharif as he prepares to land in Lahore.
  • The cases relate to illegal land allotments, dubious transfers of shares from his sugar mills, and alleged violations in the acceptance of gifts from the toshakhana (national treasury).
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  • Nawaz Sharif and his family faced allegations of corruption and money laundering after the Panama Papers were leaked.
  • As a result, in 2017, Nawaz Sharif was barred from holding public office by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
  • At the same time, his daughter, Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law were also convicted in a case regarding owning luxury apartments in London.
  • However, to negate Sharif’s lifetime disqualification, an amendment was made to limit disqualification to a period of five years.

Economic turmoil

  • On the economic front, Pakistan currently faces economic turmoil and a rising cost of living crisis, made worse by the floods last year.
  • It took a last-minute bailout by the International Monetary Fund to prevent a national default, after Pakistan went looking for funds from the Saudis as well.
  • A recent World Bank report revealed that over 12 million Pakistanis have fallen below the poverty line in just one year.
  • It is now for us the onlookers to find out if Nawaz Sharif's diminishing popularity will win over the popularity he enjoyed a decade back, especially in Punjab where the Imran Khan-led PTI has made considerable inroads.
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Changed political landscape

  • Nawaz Sharif's four-year absence from Pakistan has led to significant changes in the country's political dynamics.
  • His recent demands for accountability of military officials and judges have drawn mixed reactions, and some experts believe that few quarters of his party may not fully endorse this narrative.
  • Sharif's relationship with the 'establishment' has been complex over the years, with two of his previous governments being dismissed by it.
  • While some speculate a friendly cooperation between Sharif and "the establishment" others think otherwise.

Now, the 'establishment,' with limited options might seek a way ahead and Nawaz Sharif might benefit from this situation, as his main political rival, Imran Khan, was ousted, much with the Army's nod, and is serving a jail sentence.

Moreover, MiyaaSaab will also be tasked with coming up with a compelling narrative for the incoming election campaign.

Last updated: September 29, 2023 | 20:22
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