Nawaz Sharif's Much-Anticipated Homecoming: A Landmark Return After Almost Four Years in Self-Exile

Nawaz Sharif, the former prime minister of Pakistan who was in self-exile for almost four years, has returned to his home country, sparking further political tension as the nation prepares for a turbulent national election. Sharif, who previously held the position of prime minister three times and was forcibly removed from power during a military coup, arrived at Islamabad airport on Saturday, as confirmed by airport officials.

Sharif, the ex-leader of the PML-N, which is one of the two dominant hereditary political parties in Pakistan, faced disqualification from his position following a 2017 Supreme Court verdict on corruption charges.

The previous year, he received a seven-year prison sentence for corruption, which he denied. However, due to medical reasons, the sentence was suspended, permitting him to seek medical treatment abroad with the condition of returning within four weeks. Disregarding this requirement, he failed to comply and did not return within the given timeframe.

Recently, he returned to Pakistan shortly after obtaining protective bail from an Islamabad court. This means that he cannot be arrested prior to his appearance in court.

The development increases the level of importance before an already tense election. The nation in South Asia has been experiencing political unrest since the removal of Imran Khan, a former competitor of Sharif.

Lately, there have been frequent street protests due to Khan's departure, escalating prices, and discontent towards the influential military of the country. Khan's supporters allege that the military played a part in his ousting, although the military denies these claims.

Sharif, in the past, also attributed his downfall to the military, which has held power in Pakistan for extended periods since its independence in 1947 and maintains considerable influence. Prior to the 2017 verdict that marked the end of his third term as prime minister, he had been overthrown in a coup in 1999 and dismissed as prime minister by a president supported by the military in 1993.

Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of Nawaz Sharif, expressed his approval of his brother's release on bail, stating on Twitter that it is a "fundamental right."

Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that the prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, had been disqualified unjustly due to a false and completely made-up story. Sharif emphasized that he had been falsely accused in ludicrous cases and mistreated, and that a fair hearing would have proven his innocence.

Shehbaz Sharif assumed the role of prime minister in 2022 and maintained his position until August of this year. Following the dissolution of parliament in preparation for the upcoming national election in early next year, a caretaker administration took over from his government.

He took office following the removal of Khan, who is currently imprisoned on corruption allegations.

Shehbaz Sharif assumed his position during a period marked by rampant inflation, escalating costs of fuel and food, and a challenging economic climate. These issues have significantly impacted the PML-N party's popularity. It is anticipated that Nawaz Sharif will lead the party's election campaign.