Former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif recently announced in a London press conference that his elder brother, Nawaz Sharif, would return to Pakistan in October 2023 to lead the election campaign. However, the exact date was not specified. Nawaz Sharif has been living in London since November 2019 after seeking medical treatment following his conviction in graft cases.
Contradicting Shehbaz’s claim, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leader Khursheed Shah expressed doubts about Nawaz Sharif’s return. In a conversation with local media, Shah cited Nawaz’s health issues, suggesting that the PML-N leader might not return to Pakistan anytime soon. He further hinted at the possibility of a sudden deterioration in Nawaz Sharif’s health.
Historically, Nawaz Sharif resigned as the prime minister in 2016 after the Supreme Court disqualified him over concealed assets. His conviction followed this in graft cases related to the Panama Papers leak. His appeals against these convictions are still pending.
While sources close to the Sharif family initially indicated Nawaz’s return in mid-October, notably around the 15th, there have been planned changes. The initial plan for a mid-September return shifted after advice against large-scale political gatherings due to the hot weather. This date adjustment was unrelated to the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) statement on election feasibility. As of now, the mid-October date stands, but further discussions are anticipated.
Lastly, Shehbaz Sharif recently traveled to London, passing governmental duties to Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar. A trusted source revealed that the decision on Nawaz’s return date is influenced by weather considerations, with October 15 being the current agreed date.
Read: Nawaz Sharif’s October Homecoming: A Defining Moment for Pakistan’s Politics
