Nawaz to galvanize party election drive

LAHORE ':

PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif will end his self-imposed exile in London and return to Pakistan in October, intent on leading the party’s election campaign and to face the pending cases in courts, former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed on Friday.

Addressing the media alongside his elder brother, Shehbaz, who is also the party president, stated, "Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan in October and lead the election campaign." However, he did not provide a specific date for Nawaz's return.

The announcement was made with Nawaz Sharif sitting by Shehbaz's side.

Although the exact details were not shared, reports suggest that Nawaz is expected to arrive in Pakistan on October 15, based on discussions held amongst himself, Shehbaz, and close family members in London.

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Criticising the judges that ousted Nawaz, Shehbaz highlighted that his brother's name was not even mentioned in the Panama Papers, arguing that while 450 Pakistanis were named in the leaks, their names were ignored. "Nawaz Sharif was unfairly targeted through a conspiracy," he asserted.

He raised questions about the mistreatment he and his daughter Maryam Nawaz faced while in jail, and criticised the lack of action from the chief justice at the time. He stated, "They were made to sleep on the floor and were told to eat prison food."

Moreover, he highlighted the dual standards of justice prevalent in the country, stating, "The chief justice had full knowledge of these events. If he had inquired, it would have been better. It is the actions of a few individuals that have damaged Pakistan's justice system."

Regarding the upcoming general elections, Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that the coalition government dissolved the assemblies according to the Constitution.

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"Now, the Chief Election Commissioner has the constitutional and legal responsibility to conduct elections. Our party will provide assistance to the ECP to ensure fair and transparent elections."

Earlier, a meeting was held at Nawaz Sharif's residence in London, where both PML-N heavyweights discussed the current political landscape and strategies for the upcoming elections. Senior party leaders including Suleman Shahbaz and Sajjad Khan were present at the meeting.

Nawaz Sharif urged party members to prepare and mobilise all party units for active participation in the elections. Shehbaz will extend his stay in London.

Nawaz's return to Pakistan comes at a time of uncertainty and anticipation surrounding the upcoming elections, as well as his own court cases.

Sharif was convicted in the Al-Azizia Steel Mill case, sentenced to seven years in prison, fined heavily, and disqualified from holding public office. Although he secured bail on medical grounds and went abroad for treatment, his conviction and disqualification remain intact.

The Supreme Court had ruled that Sharif was constitutionally unfit for public office, disqualifying him for life under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution. However, a law introduced by the previous government led by his brother, passed by the parliament on June 26, amended section 232 of the Elections Act, 2017, setting the duration of disqualification to five years.

Legal experts argue that unless this law is challenged and suspended or overturned by a court, it will likely nullify the lifetime disqualification for Sharif. As five years have already passed, his disqualification, according to the law, no longer applies.