ISLAMABAD: To reduce political tensions and concentrate on obtaining relief for Nawaz Sharif in corruption cases, the PML-N has decided to re-establish “close coordination” with its former coalition government allies.
During a meeting at Jati Umra on Sunday, the decision was made. Legal experts, as well as members of the Sharif family, attended this meeting. Dawn’s sources reported that Nawaz Sharif will approach the PPP, JUI-F, and other parties from the ‘defunct’ Pakistan Democratic Movement this week.
Initially, Mr. Sharif will contact former President Asif Ali Zardari, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Akhtar Mengal, and others to express his gratitude for their moral support during his ordeal. Afterward, he will seek separate meetings with them.
The sources mentioned that the PML-N will refrain from engaging in a confrontation with the PPP and will not respond to the latter’s sharp criticism of the relief granted to the PML-N leader by the judiciary.
Recently, the PPP has been expressing concerns about the absence of a level playing field in anticipation of upcoming elections, likely in January next year.
“The reconciliation policy is strongly advocated by PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif,” as per the sources. They also noted that PML-N Chief Organizer Maryam Nawaz, former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, and Hamza Shehbaz were present at the meeting.
Former Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar also participated in the meeting to discuss the legal options available to the elder Sharif before the October 24 hearing of his appeal in the Islamabad High Court regarding his conviction in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia references. Mr. Nawaz is also scheduled to appear before an accountability court on the same day.
It is worth noting that Mr. Nawaz had been convicted in the two cases and declared a proclaimed offender in the Toshakhana vehicle case.
Upon his arrival at Jati Umra, the PML-N leader received a warm welcome and paid a visit to the graves of his relatives.
Meanwhile, ANP leader Ghulam Ahmed Bilour also paid a visit to the former Prime Minister and extended a welcome to him upon his return from abroad.
Equal Security for Nawaz Sharif
Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed journalists that Mr. Nawaz was receiving the same security level as former prime ministers, including Imran Khan. He stated that, in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), Zaman Park was receiving an equivalent level of security coverage as Jati Umra.
