Homecoming humbles Nawaz’s stance on establishment

KARACHI:

Contrary to the previous hardline stance of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif against the establishment, the former prime minister has adopted a "neutral policy" to soften his stance on his homecoming, sources revealed to the Express Tribune on Friday.

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has outlined several political cards to play an active role in national politics.

Departing from the confrontational politics, the sources claimed that the PML-N would maintain a “balanced approach” in dealing with the establishment's affairs, refraining from discussing “establishment's past, present, and future actions” in the public contact campaign for elections.

Nawaz Sharif is also expected to avoid confrontations with the inactive PDM alliance regarding its leadership.

Nawaz Sharif will maintain political relations with the key leaders including JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PPP Co-chairman Asif Zardari.

Read PPP ridicules Nawaz as the 'new ladla'

The PML-N's election agenda will encompass peace, economic development, and solutions to public issues.

Nawaz Sharif will first face his legal cases upon his return. If he gets arrested, the political landscape will be taken over by PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif and the public contact campaign will be led by Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz.

The sources also revealed that “an informal action plan” has been formulated for the expected political circumstances.

It was also revealed that the PML-N can contact the “powerful circles” for necessary discussion on the national affairs.

The PML-N supremo will lead the public contact campaign for the upcoming elections on his return. The campaign slogan is expected to shift from “Vote ko Izzat Do” (respect the vote) to strengthening democracy and the parliament.

Read more Nawaz returns to take fourth shot at power

The PML-N's manifesto, to be made public by the party supremo, is expected to include economic revival, addressing public issues including unemployment, poverty reduction, and other national development plans.

The party is indecisive on forming political alliances and seat adjustments on national and provincial levels.

PML-N leader Khel Das Kohistani told The Express Tribune that Nawaz Sharif will announce his plan in a Lahore gathering on Saturday.

He also stated that the current military leadership has clearly conveyed the message of strengthening democracy and addressing national issues, adding that “they are playing their part.”

Kohistani said that the PML-N wanted every institution to “operate within its constitutional limits.”

He added that the PML-N would work with all stakeholders and institutions, including the establishment, to contribute to the country's progress, adding that the party has “no conflicts with anyone.”