Ex-PM Nawaz Sharif confirms homecoming

London: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who has been residing in London since 2019 for medical treatment, has confirmed his plans to return to Pakistan in October. Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), made this announcement during a meeting with supporters and relatives at his residence in Stanhope House. Although no specific date has been disclosed, sources suggest that arrangements have been finalized for his arrival at Lahore airport later in October.

Nawaz Sharif has been living in London since November 2019 after being granted bail on health grounds. He was serving a seven-year prison sentence related to his failure to account for the source of income that allowed him to acquire a steel mill in Saudi Arabia. He has also been convicted in another case linked to his family’s ownership of luxury apartments in London.

During his meeting with supporters, Sharif expressed his determination to return to Pakistan and face the corruption charges, which he vehemently denies as politically motivated. He is expected to seek bail upon his arrival and may address party members after visiting Data Darbar.

In a related development, former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz Sharif’s brother, met with him in London to discuss his return and the current political situation in Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif also expressed relief that Nawaz Sharif’s health condition has improved and commented on the positive impact of a falling dollar on the Pakistani economy.