Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan, faces legal questions

Nawaz Sharif's upcoming return

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is set to return to Pakistan on October 21 after a four-year "self-imposed exile." He plans to lead his political party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), in the upcoming elections, expected to take place in January 2024.

Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi clarified that Sharif did not go to London following a jailbreak but left the country with court permission and approval from the former government. Solangi emphasized Sharif's significant political role as a former three-time prime minister and leader of a major political party.

Legal uncertainties surrounding his return

Solangi could not confirm whether Nawaz Sharif would seek protective bail or engage in a legal process upon his return, leaving the decision to Sharif himself and the country's legal framework. He underlined that, according to the Constitution, the country's affairs would be managed by its elected representatives.

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Nawaz Sharif resigned as prime minister in 2017 after a Supreme Court decision disqualified him from public office due to a failure to declare a receivable salary. Since 2019, he has resided in London, initially granted permission by the Lahore High Court for medical treatment. In 2020, he was declared a proclaimed offender in the Toshakhana vehicles case and faced accusations of obtaining luxury cars from the treasury house at a fraction of their cost. He was also convicted in the Al-Azizia Mills and Avenfield corruption cases in 2018.

Election commission's responsibility

Minister Solangi highlighted the Election Commission of Pakistan's role in conducting free, fair, transparent, and impartial elections as mandated by Article 218(3) of the Constitution. He assured that the caretaker government would actively support the process, with constituency delimitation expected to be completed by November 30, followed by the announcement of the election date.

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