By Nawaz Sharif, the three-time former Prime Minister of Pakistan, is set to make a triumphant return to his homeland after nearly four years in self-exile in London. Sharif, the founding leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, is expected to announce a comprehensive economic recovery plan at a rally in Lahore.
The rally, which will serve as a homecoming celebration, has drawn caravans of enthusiastic supporters from all corners of Pakistan.
Sharif’s exile began in November 2019 when he secured medical bail following his conviction in two corruption cases while Pakistan was under the leadership of rival politician Imran Khan.
As anticipation builds for Sharif’s return, he has secured protective bail from the Islamabad High Court until October 24, regarding the outstanding corruption cases against him. His comeback is significant as Pakistan grapples with both political and economic crises.
The PML-N party is enthusiastic about Sharif’s return, asserting that his leadership will spearhead their campaign for the upcoming nationwide elections.
They claim that Sharif’s return to power for the fourth time will breathe life into the nation’s struggling economy and provide relief to the people burdened by double-digit inflation fueled by soaring energy prices.
Tallal Chaudhry, the Joint Secretary of the PML-N, underscored their commitment to enhancing the well-being of the common people through economic revitalization.
He articulated, “Nawaz Sharif is poised to introduce a comprehensive economic blueprint aimed at rejuvenating the nation’s economy, and he will unveil this blueprint during the rally tomorrow.” Chaudhry also pointed out the tremendous public enthusiasm, with thousands en route to Lahore to extend a warm welcome to their beloved leader.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced general elections for the last week of January, with the process of redrawing constituencies set to conclude by the end of November. Afterward, the election regulator will announce the campaign schedule, granting political parties and candidates at least 54 days to prepare.
Chaudhry revealed Sharif’s election campaign plans, saying, “Nawaz Sharif will kick off the party’s election campaign from the Lahore rally, followed by addressing public gatherings in different cities.” He confidently claimed that the PML-N would secure a landslide victory, bringing both political and economic stability to Pakistan.
The country has endured political and economic turmoil since Imran Khan’s ousting from power in a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in April the previous year. Khan currently resides in jail due to charges related to the illegal sale of state gifts, while many of his close aides have distanced themselves from him.
While political analysts view Sharif’s return as an encouraging sign for Pakistan’s democracy, they emphasize that true stability can only be achieved through free and fair elections. Adnan Rehmat, a political analyst, stressed the importance of a credible electoral process in revitalizing the country both politically and economically.
Dr. Hassan Askari Rizvi, a senior political commentator, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a level playing field for all contesting candidates and parties. He concluded, “The recipe for the country’s economic stability and prosperity lies in free and fair elections.”
As Nawaz Sharif prepares to unveil his economic recovery plan, the future of Pakistan’s political and economic landscape remains uncertain, with hopes pinned on transparent and impartial elections for a way forward.
