Govt ‘alarmed’ by Nawaz’s possible return: PML-N

PML-N leaders on Sunday said the reports of their party’s supreme leader Nawaz Sharif return to the country were giving the PTI-led government “sleepless nights”. Responding to Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid’s statement that Prime Minister Imran Khan would complete his tenure, PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah maintained that the mere mention of Nawaz’s possible return to the country had sent “alarm bells ringing" for the government.

“It reflects that the ruling party is not only nervous but confused as well,” he added.  “No matter whatever they [ministers] say, they [PTI government] will have to go.” Sanaulllah said the statements and news conferences of all ruling party leaders including Prime Minister Imran were only focused on PML-N leaders — Nawaz, Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz.

“I have only one message for ‘Imran Niazi’ and Sheikh Rashid that don’t panic [Aap ne ghabrana nahin hai],” he quipped. He said that the “entire nation was looking forward to welcome their leader Nawaz”.
“Once Nawaz Sharif arrives [in Pakistan], PTI leaders will have no place to hide.”

The PML-N leader said the fear of Nawaz’s return was not letting PM Imran sleep. "Those responsible for the rising inflation, incompetence, and corruption are screaming [out of fear]. They can do whatever they want, but they will eventually have to leave.” Speaking to a private TV channel, PML-N Senior Vice President Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said Nawaz would decide about his return to the country himself.
“When Nawaz Sharif realises that the country needs him, he will leave his treatment and come back,” the former premier added.

“It is up to Nawaz Sharif to decide whether the country needs him now or not.”
 The senior PML-N leader said the people wanted general elections as they were the solution to their problems.

“We will not boycott the elections.”

Also read: Rashid offers to pay for Nawaz’s ticket ‘if he is returning’

Abbasi said after the 18th Amendment, many federal powers were devolved to the provinces and the functions of the Centre were reduced to a minimum. “The federal government is now divided into three ministries -- finance, petroleum and power. The interior ministry is limited to Islamabad.”

The PML-N leader noted that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which functioned under the interior ministry, still had some powers. “As far as the foreign ministry is concerned, traditionally it is not in the hands of the elected government,” he maintained.

“The [foreign] policy of the establishment or the deep state has been followed by almost every government ever since the creation of Pakistan.” Abbasi said to solve the problems of the country, 30 new administrative provinces should be created in the country on administrative basis.
“There should be nine in Punjab and seven in other provinces.”

The PML-N leader maintained that Nawaz was one of those people who had always done politics on principles. “He [Nawaz] stuck to his position and made sacrifices.”
The PML-N leader claimed that there was “clear evidence of interference” in both the cases against Nawaz but the verdicts were still upheld. “There is no justice here. If anyone says that Nawaz Sharif has been convicted, then he is lying. All these facts will come out one day.”

Abbasi maintained that neither the government nor the opposition wanted local government elections, but they were taking place on the orders of the Supreme Court. “At the moment, the people want the general elections.”

Separately, PML-N leader Muhammad Zubair said he could not say that Nawaz would return to the country next month, but he would definitely come back soon. “His [Nawaz] return will change the momentum,” the former Sindh governor added. Zubair said the party supremo was not afraid of jail and he had already returned from London before.

According to NNI, Zubair said an “institution” did not have a 20-year policy. “Imran Khan and Sheikh Rashid have understood who the people are going to vote for. We want the truth to come out, and the government wants to complicate matters.” The PML-N leader claimed that nobody made as much mockery of institutions as Sheikh Rashid did.

He further said former Gilgit-Baltistan chief judge Rana Shamim had not dissociated himself from his affidavit. (With input from agencies)