May 28
DUBAI/ISLAMABAD: Speaking to the media at Dubai airport, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif said, “We belong to May 28 and not May 9.” He hinted at the May 28, 1998, nuclear tests and PTI’s attacks on the army’s offices and installations on May 9, 2023.
Nawaz Sharif stated this while talking to the media in Dubai, before departing for Pakistan after four years of self-imposed exile.
He emphasized that the country has endured the repercussions of legal cases against him, and he underscored his commitment to respecting the decisions of the Election Commission.
Former Prime Minister and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, as he embarked on his journey back to Pakistan, conveyed his happiness and gratitude to Allah for this momentous return after four years.
Nawaz Sharif lamented the toll the legal cases have taken on the nation, stressing that he and his daughter have not only suffered personally but also on behalf of their party’s supporters.
He pointed out that the current state of the country, as of 2023, is less promising than it was in 2017, noting that Pakistan has regressed rather than progressed. The challenging conditions faced by the populace are a source of concern.
However, he maintained his optimism that there was still hope to rectify the situation.
Reflecting on his previous term as Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif recalled the time when Pakistan bid farewell to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and basic necessities like bread were available at affordable prices.
He expressed disappointment at the current state of affairs and questioned if Pakistan resembles the nation he left behind four years ago.
Nawaz Sharif placed his trust in the Election Commission, highlighting its responsibility in announcing the election date.
He stated that his top priority is to adhere to the decisions of the Election Commission, especially now that the census has been conducted and constituencies need to be defined. He affirmed his party’s readiness for the upcoming election.
Nawaz Sharif departs for Pakistan
Meanwhile, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif departs for Pakistan via the Boeing 737-800 aircraft along with 152 companions, including Sharif’s associates, staff members, and party supporters.
Joining Nawaz on the flight are his personal physician, Dr. Adnan, Nasir Janjua, and Senator Irfan Siddiqui.
Reports also suggest that 24 journalists and news anchors are among the passengers on this flight.
Nawaz is returning via a Fly Dubai flight, FZ-4525, departing from Dubai at 9:25 a.m. on Saturday.
The flight is scheduled to touch down at Islamabad International Airport around 12:30 p.m., having already received the necessary clearance to land. Subsequently, it will take off for Lahore at 2:30 p.m.
Nawaz Sharif’s much-anticipated return is set to occur in Islamabad rather than Lahore, where preparations for a rally are underway.
Nawaz Sharif reached Dubai on Thursday, where he stayed at the residence of Ali Dar, the son-in-law of Nawaz and son of former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
The PML-N leader is making his return to Pakistan after nearly four years in exile and has already been granted protective bail by the Islamabad High Court.
