ISLAMABAD: In preparation for the upcoming general elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has nominated former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as its candidate for the position of prime minister. PML-N’s president Shehbaz Sharif confirmed it during a press conference today.
During a press briefing at the Prime Minister’s House, Shehbaz Sharif, the president of the party, announced that amendments to the Election Act have cleared Nawaz Sharif of any disqualification, thus removing any obstacles to his candidacy.
“As the party president, I have nominated Nawaz Sharif as the PML-N’s candidate for prime minister,” Shehbaz stated.
He stressed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) holds the ultimate authority in determining the election date. He also highlighted his party wants elections as early as possible.
PML-N leader Ishaq Dar added that Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification period concluded on July 26.
During a recent interview, Nawaz Sharif stated his intention to come back to Pakistan in September. He expressed his readiness to address his pending court cases.
Anticipations point to Nawaz Sharif leading his party’s election campaign. If the PML-N secures victory in the upcoming election, he could potentially assume the prime minister’s role for the fourth time.
Nawaz Sharif had been convicted in corruption cases by an accountability court before the 2018 general elections. He went to London in 2019 for medical treatment and has remained there since.
His recent visit to Dubai and subsequent meetings with Pakistani politicians sparked discussions about his potential return to Pakistan. The PML-N leader is convicted in cases related to Al-Azizia and the Avenfield Apartments, filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) following the Panama Papers case. Appeals for his cases are still pending in relevant courts.
