Former Finance Minister and prominent member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Ishaq Dar, conveyed on Saturday that Nawaz Sharif does not have any intentions of departing from Pakistan. However, Dar made it clear that Nawaz may undertake foreign trips if necessary.
The three-time former Prime Minister made his much-anticipated return to the nation's capital, concluding his four-year self-imposed exile. A rally is scheduled to be held at Minar-e-Pakistan later today, following Maghrib prayers.
Dar emphasized that Nawaz has a comprehensive economic recovery plan prepared. He stated that if the people elect Nawaz Sharif once more, he is equipped with a financial blueprint aimed at relieving the public. Furthermore, he clarified that the past 16 months were dedicated to saving Pakistan from potential default, not economic recovery. He highlighted that their government managed to avert the economic turmoil experienced by Sri Lanka.
Regarding the legal cases against Nawaz, Dar pointed out that the cases are ongoing, despite the previous "Panama drama." To date, no conclusive evidence has been presented in either case. He expressed confidence that Nawaz Sharif would be vindicated in the ongoing legal proceedings, mentioning that Maryam Nawaz has already been acquitted.
Elaborating on Nawaz's departure four years ago, Dar asserted that the PML-N leader went abroad for medical treatment, and records substantiating this fact exist. Dar also stressed that Nawaz Sharif's return to Pakistan signifies his commitment to remain in the country.
Earlier in the week, Nawaz secured vital protective bail, which eliminated the possibility of his immediate arrest upon returning to Pakistan, as confirmed by his lawyer. After spending nearly four years in the United Kingdom, the former Prime Minister, who has served the country on three occasions, is now gearing up to lead his party into the upcoming general elections, slated for January next year.
Lawyer Azam Nazeer Tarar informed reporters that Nawaz was granted protective bail, safeguarding him from arrest until he personally appears in court on October 24. He also announced that Nawaz would address a rally in Lahore upon his return.
The decision of the Islamabad High Court to grant protective bail until October 24 in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases paved the way for Nawaz's return to Lahore, his political stronghold, for a warm homecoming rally.
Furthermore, an accountability court suspended the perpetual non-bailable arrest warrants issued for Nawaz's arrest in the Toshakhana gifts case, initially scheduled for October 21. The court temporarily halted the arrest warrant until October 24 and prohibited authorities from detaining Nawaz at the airport.
It's worth noting that Nawaz Sharif was convicted in the Al-Azizia and Avenfield corruption cases by an accountability court on July 6, 2018, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence. In October 2019, the Islamabad High Court granted him bail for humanitarian reasons, enabling him to seek medical treatment in London. However, after failing to return to Pakistan and as his bail expired, the IHC declared him a proclaimed offender and fugitive.
