PML-N sees Nawaz’s prompt return

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawan (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq's prediction that the country’s political arena will soon witness a “major event” has sent many in a tizzy, fuelling speculations as to what was implied in the politician’s cryptic statement.

The prediction followed right after Ayaz’s speech at an event, wherein he made the announcement that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif is returning to Pakistan.

Speaking on a private TV channel, the PML-N leader said: “I don’t know what it would be, but I assure you that something big, like a bang, is going to happen soon. It would happen all of a sudden as you won’t see it happen slowly and gradually.”

Read more: PML-N should bury ‘political witch-hunt’ after coming into power: Rafique

Asked whether PML-N’s recent emboldened and confident stance meant it had received any “signal” from powerful circles, Ayaz maintained the party did not require any signal from anyone as he studiously remained tight-lipped to share more details.

"I announced in my speech,” Ayaz Sadiq said in response to a question about his statement on Nawaz Sharif’s return.

In response to another question concerning the rumours that Nawaz Sharif was holding meetings with non-political groups in London, he confirmed that the meetings indeed took place. He, however, denied being cognizant of the nature of the meeting.

“Yes, they are meeting Nawaz Sharif, because they have realised that bringing the PTI into power turned out to be a failure and they are also withdrawing their support to the government and meeting Nawaz Sharif because the PML-N has its vote-bank intact,” he said.

‘Strong rumours but lack veracity’

“Strong rumours, but nothing verified yet,” a PML-N senior leader, who had served as a federal minister in the past, told The Express Tribune.

Asked if any instructions have yet been given to party leaders to gear up for PML-N supremo’s arrival, especially, after PM Imran’s expressed concerns about Sharif’s return and the tweets by PTI officials that followed, he said: “Party is incommunicado on this subject. Imran Khan’s panic is indirect evidence, but evidence nonetheless".

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On Friday, PM Imran told his party leaders during a meeting in the capital that it was regrettable that the bar association of the top court was willing to help end the disqualification of the ex-PM Nawaz Sharif, deploring that the acceptability of corruption was increasing in the society.

Besides, the rumour mills were further fuelled after journalist Saleem Safi tweeted on Saturday that ex-PM Nawaz Sharif was planning to return to Pakistan in January and, as per the plan, he would go the jail; then the process of getting relief from courts would start and appeals would be filed for the annulment of previously awarded sentences.

Responding to speculations that something was going on behind the scene, a PML-N senior leader expressed that neither he personally had any information nor was interested to ask anyone about it.

“Just wait for the New Year, when things will unfold,” a PML-N senator said when approached for his thoughts over the speculations.

‘PML-N making grounds for Nawaz’s return’

On the other hand, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill claimed that PML-N was making ground for the return of the former prime minister as the latter’s request for visa extension is likely to be turned down.

“Unnecessary announcement: Nawaz Sharif’s visa extension in the UK has been rejected. He is currently on appeal, but he knows his visa will be rejected, and he will be deported,” Gill tweeted.

“Expulsion of Nawaz Sharif from London is being made up as a decision from him to return to Pakistan,” he said, adding cowards could never be courageous.

Taking a jibe at the attempts to “recast Nawaz’s image”, Gill said, adding that people were being hired to "build a narrative regarding deal with establishment and culmination of the revolutionary path.”