The National Assembly Speaker, Raja Pervez Ashraf, has made a statement suggesting that there might be an “understanding” behind the return of Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the PML-N party.
This statement comes after the interim Prime Minister, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, dismissed the notion that Nawaz’s decision to return to Pakistan was part of a deal with the caretaker government.
In an interview with World Echo News, PM Kakar emphasized that the caretaker government does not favor any political party, including PML-N. He asked how a caretaker government could strike such a deal.
The PM pointed out that Nawaz left the country legally according to the court’s decision, and not under the caretaker setup or Imran Khan’s government.
However, if Nawaz returns and engages in political activities, he will have to face legal obstacles. The premier mentioned that the resolutions to these legal matters lie within the legal system.
Nawaz, who has been in self-imposed exile since 2019, left for London on medical grounds while serving a seven-year jail term. During his absence, he was declared a proclaimed offender in the Al Azizia and Avenfield graft cases.
Last month, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Nawaz would return to the country on October 21. The PML-N party stated that Nawaz is prepared to face any circumstances upon his return from London.
Recently, Nawaz’s legal team submitted his medical reports to the Lahore High Court, indicating that he still experiences some residual anginal symptoms. Shehbaz also stated that the party’s legal team has cleared Nawaz’s arrival.
Ashraf expressed a curiosity as to why Nawaz didn’t return earlier. He commented, “Now his health should also stay good.”
When questioned about the timing of the upcoming elections, Ashraf responded, “Do you think elections are happening?”
The NA speaker acknowledged the merit in the PPP’s concerns about a level-playing field.
He also noted that members of the PML-N party have been included in the interim federal and Punjab cabinets, indicating that the PML-N’s work is continuing.