by Opinion Express / 21 October 2023
Nawaz Sharif, a three-time former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has returned to his home country after spending four years in self-imposed exile. The 73-year-old leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) arrived in Islamabad from Dubai on a chartered flight named "Umeed-e-Pakistan." Accompanying him were family members, senior party figures, and close friends.
Sharif's return is a significant development in Pakistani politics, and it signals his intention to make a political comeback in the lead-up to the general elections, which have been postponed to January 2024. The current political landscape in Pakistan is marked by a confluence of security, economic, and political challenges, with the incumbent Prime Minister, Imran Khan, facing legal issues and a decline in popularity.
Many within the PML-N see Sharif's return as a source of hope and celebration, with expectations that his presence will have a positive impact on Pakistan's economy and the well-being of its citizens. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, a senior leader of the PML-N, expressed optimism about Sharif's return.
Security has been a paramount concern, with over 7,000 police personnel deployed to manage the anticipated crowds at the Greater Iqbal Park, where Sharif is expected to hold a homecoming rally.
The PML-N has long anticipated Sharif's return, believing that his political influence and strong connection to the people will reinvigorate the party's popularity, which has been waning in recent years.
Nawaz Sharif's return to the political arena adds a new dimension to Pakistan's evolving political landscape, and his interactions with Imran Khan and other political leaders will likely shape the course of Pakistani politics in the lead-up to the forthcoming elections.