News Analysis |
Ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, have announced to return to Pakistan next week to take part in the elections process. After complete checkup and a computed tomography (CT) scan of Begum Kalsoom Nawaz, Nawaz will consult the doctors to get their views on her condition before taking a flight for homeland.
It is believed that Nawaz is under pressure from party workers to lead the election campaign ahead of the July 25 general elections. He also had a consultation with senior party leaders on the matter. With less than a month left in elections, party campaigns are in full swing across the country.
PML-N relies on Nawaz for his popularity and persona; his unavailability could seriously derail the campaign. The senior leaders acknowledged this and asked him to return to lead the campaign across Pakistan.
In their testimony in accountability court, the father-daughter duo only offered political slogans and repeated the political narrative built after the start of accountability proceedings.
Earlier, speculations were rife in twin-cities that a deal was brokered between Nawaz and Pakistan’s military establishment, according to which Nawaz will stay put in London and Shahbaz Sharif will lead the election campaign undisturbed.
But Maryam Nawaz had tweeted a message from Nawaz, in which he said, “I am here in London because of illness of my wife [Begum Kalsoom Nawaz], and as soon as the condition will improve, God Willing, I will leave for Pakistan and will not disappoint my Nation.” In earlier interviews too, Maryam had said that decision to leave for Pakistan is conditioned on mother’s health. “I would leave on the next available flight, if her situation improves,” she explained.
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Nawaz and Maryam are facing corruption references in the accountability court. They have been granted exemption twice from personal appearance. Khawaja Haris – the defense counsel had submitted a plea where they expressed inability to attend the court proceedings citing deteriorating health of Begum Kalsoom Nawaz who remains in a critical situation in the hospital.
The father-daughter duo is expected to engage people across Pakistan. Some reports indicate that Maryam Nawaz may return before Nawaz Sharif.
PML-N relies on Nawaz for his popularity and persona; his unavailability could seriously derail the campaign. The senior leaders acknowledged this and asked him to return to lead the campaign across Pakistan.
‘House of Nawaz’ has indicated military establishment is forcing its candidates to change loyalties. The party is under pressure after crackdown from NAB against its senior leaders over allegations of corruption and embezzlement. Moreover, in the court number one of accountability court, Nawaz’s counsel is yet to provide any proof to show the money trial of Avenfield apartments.
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In their testimony in accountability court, the father-daughter duo only offered political slogans and repeated the political narrative built after the start of accountability proceedings.
After returning to Pakistan, Nawaz will restart his campaign with a focus on political slogan of ‘victimization’ and ‘respect the sanctity of vote’. He will rebuild the momentum to bash institutions to play victim card over his ousting.