Political Power Plays: The Nawaz Sharif Return Saga

In 2022, Pakistan's military sought to bring former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif back from London to counter Imran Khan's regime, his son-in-law revealed. Nawaz returned, was acquitted of charges, but lost the election amidst allegations of vote-rigging. This move allegedly intended to set up a PML-N government led by Shehbaz Sharif instead.

Pakistan's powerful army allegedly sent officers to London in 2022 to persuade former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to return and 'save' the country from the then Imran Khan-led regime, a claim made by Nawaz's son-in-law, Capt (retd.) Muhammad Safdar.

Nawaz, 74, came back from London in October last year after four years in self-imposed exile for medical reasons. He was subsequently acquitted in all cases against him, including the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case, where he was serving a seven-year sentence before his departure to the UK.

Safdar, addressing PML-N party workers, disclosed that the army requested Nawaz to prevent further destruction under Imran Khan. However, when Nawaz aimed to become Prime Minister for a fourth term, 'powerful circles' ensured his electoral defeat.

Nawaz lost the NA-15 Mansehra seat but won in Lahore, in elections marred by accusations of rigging. Admitting he was a candidate for the premiership, Nawaz stated his party's failure to secure a majority led to Shehbaz Sharif becoming Prime Minister instead.

The PTI accused PML-N of winning only six percent of National Assembly seats, with the military allegedly transferring PTI's wins to PML-N to install a puppet regime under Shehbaz Sharif. PML-N sources claim Nawaz agreed not to pursue the premiership in exchange for making his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, Punjab Chief Minister.

The military, dominating Pakistan for over half its history, continues to exert significant influence on security and foreign policy matters.

(With inputs from agencies.)