Nawaz Sharif hints return
IS a new deal on the cards? Are the days of the PTI government numbered? Does it come in the wake of mounting perception fanned by PML-N leaders? None has come forward to confirm that a fresh move is afoot to de-seat Imran Khan lead the PTI government.
After meeting Mian Nawaz Sharif in London Sardar Ayaz Sadiq a PML-N veteran has recently hinted about an imminent change of happenings behind closed doors.
Once again the rumours of Nawaz Sharif’s return from London have started swirling since the PML-N Supremo clearly remarked in his recent address to his party members gathered on the occasion of death anniversary of late Khawaja Rafiq in Lahore that soon he will be among them. Nothing is impossible in the politics of Pakistan.
Thrice Nawaz Sharif became prime minister of the country. Each time he has been thrown out of the government.
Twice facing serious allegations he has been arrested and jailed but managed to get out of the clutches.
During his rule he has established very strong personal relationships with ruling elite of different countries. Because of his political stature and investment in United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates he is highly regarded there.
After being removed from the government when ever he needed any sort of rescuing support from these countries his dual status as very strong politician and investor has always been helpful to him.
After the hint of the return of PML-N supremo this time the PTI leaders are sweating, yet rubbishing, instigating and frightening Nawaz Sharif from hardships of awaiting jail. Both the PML-N and the PTI are waiting for the arrival of Nawaz Sharif.
The PTI leadership will send him to jail direct from the airport, propagate the alleged charges of corruption against him and try to score maximum political numbers while PML-N will definitely get tremendous political boost as the supremo lands. Disturbed Premier Imran Khan says that how can a convict be made prime minister for the fourth time.
Imran Khan didn’t tell who is bringing Nawaz Sharif home for his fourth term as prime minister. The hint of return of Nawaz Sharif has dismooded and confused the PTI supremo. This is why over the statement of return of Nawaz Sharif, retaliation of Imran reflects his serious worry.
It is obvious that Nawaz Sharif’s return, whenever it happens, will be timed to gain maximum political impact.
He knows very well that he will have to face jail till the time he is given legal clean chit by the honourable courts. In the past his life long political disqualification was waved off by the same courts.
It may happen again. Since long Nawaz Sharif has consistently been demanding free and fair elections. Many amongst the opposition leaders believe that the only way-out of the grim political and economic situation is to seek fresh mandate.
The PTI government feels its interests will be honoured only by completing its five-year term. Nawaz Sharif wants PTI to complete its term so that it could not find any lame accuse.
Nawaz Sharif is a seasoned politician and knows very well about the time of his return to Pakistan. Apparently, he left for London for medical treatment but everyone knows the reality behind his departure.
God knows better but from the looks presently he seems to be in sound health. If his health is declared sound nothing should stop him from fulfilling the commitment he gave to the courts before leaving the country. The recent indication of his return is very good sign.
The PTI government’s reaction seems natural. If the departure of Nawaz Sharif for London was a deal then it has exposed both the PML-N and the PTI. At this stage any deal that brings about a change in Pakistan will trigger nervousness in the PTI leadership.
The PML-N supremo’s return would signal a fresh move underway. The political cards are ready to be reshuffled.
Rumours of Nawaz Sharif’s return when the PTI government is vulnerable to all kinds of shocks makes the PTI highly concerned. It has made the next few weeks highly crucial.
The unnecessary mini budget passed by Parliament will definitely please IMF but cause great displeasure to the already suffering nation.
This mini budget would unleash another round of inflation and enhance burden on the masses. One and a half years before the general election the PTI government has brought mini budget.
The timing of this mini budget is unwise. It is brought when PTI government has reached at its worst. The PTI parliamentarians are completely aware of the negative impact this mini budget would have on the masses and how it would deplete whatever political capital is left with them.
More to this Premier Imran Khan is committed to hold next parliamentary elections with Electronic Voting Machines (EVM). If PTI couldn’t win elections with (EVM) it would not be in the position to blame rigging. Will then the same EVM not become horrible dream for Imran Khan and company?
—The writer is editor, book ambassador, political analyst and author of several books based in Islamabad.
