Lahore: Three-time Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif returned home on Saturday after four years of self-imposed exile, primed to make a political comeback ahead of elections.
Sharif, 73, arrived at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on a flight from London, where he had been living since 2019 after being convicted of corruption in Pakistan. He was greeted by a large crowd of supporters, who cheered and waved flags as he emerged from the airport.
Sharif’s return comes at a time of political and economic turmoil in Pakistan. The country is facing a sharp economic downturn, rising inflation, and a surge in violence. The government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz’s younger brother, is under increasing pressure from the opposition and the public.
Nawaz Sharif has vowed to lead his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party to victory in the next general election, which is scheduled for October 2023. However, he faces a number of challenges, including his own health problems and the possibility of being arrested on his return to Pakistan.
Sharif was born in Lahore in 1949 and comes from a wealthy business family. He entered politics in the early 1980s and served as chief minister of Punjab province three times before being elected prime minister for the first time in 1990.
Sharif’s first term as prime minister was cut short in 1993 by a military coup led by General Pervez Musharraf. Sharif was exiled to Saudi Arabia, but returned to Pakistan in 2007 and was elected prime minister for a second time.
Sharif’s second term as prime minister was also marked by political instability and economic problems. He was dismissed by Musharraf in 2007 and went into exile again.
Sharif returned to Pakistan in 2013 and was elected prime minister for a third time. However, he was disqualified from office in 2017 by the Supreme Court on corruption charges. Sharif then went into exile again, this time in London.
Sharif’s return could also have a significant impact on the upcoming general election. The PML-N is currently the main opposition party in Pakistan, and Sharif’s return could boost its chances of winning the election.
However, Sharif’s return could also destabilize the country. He is facing a number of legal challenges, and his conviction for corruption could be upheld by the Supreme Court. This could lead to protests and unrest in Pakistan.
Overall, Sharif’s return to Pakistan is a positive development for the country. He is a popular and experienced politician, and his return could help to stabilize the country and improve its economy. However, there are also some risks associated with his return, and it remains to be seen what impact he will have on the country’s political landscape.
Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan is a major political event with the potential to reshape the country’s future. It remains to be seen what impact he will have, but his return is a sign that Pakistan is ready for change.
Read how Shehbaz Sharif was Elected as PM
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates