According to AP News, after four years of self-imposed exile in London, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made a dramatic return to his homeland on Saturday. Landing in Islamabad from Dubai on a chartered plane, Sharif’s return is seen as a strategic move to galvanize his supporters ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for January.

Nawaz Sharif, a three-time elected prime minister, is no stranger to the tumultuous political landscape of Pakistan. His anticipated re-entry into the political arena is expected to face stiff competition from the party of his main rival, former premier Imran Khan. Khan, who was removed from power through a no-confidence vote in April 2022, is currently serving a three-year prison sentence following a graft case conviction.

The backdrop to Sharif’s exile is a tapestry of legal and political challenges. In 2019, he was declared a fugitive after failing to appear before a Pakistani court, a consequence of his conviction and subsequent 10-year prison sentence on corruption charges. Interestingly, it was Imran Khan who permitted Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment, citing chest pains. However, Sharif extended his stay in London, attributing his prolonged absence to medical advice.

The political pendulum swung in Sharif’s favor when a Pakistani federal court recently granted him temporary protection against graft cases, paving the way for his return. His homecoming was marked by a grand reception. Senior members and legal advisers from his party, the Pakistan Muslim League, greeted him warmly at Islamabad’s airport. Later, he traveled to Lahore, where a massive crowd of supporters awaited him at a public park.

Addressing the nation, Sharif emphasized reconciliation and forward momentum. “I have no intention to take revenge on anyone,” he declared, extending an olive branch to those who had wronged him in the past. He also unveiled his vision for Pakistan’s economic revival, promising to tackle unemployment, reduce inflation, and minimize dependence on foreign loans.

Sharif’s speech also touched upon the political victimization he believes he endured post his 2017 ouster. Drawing a comparison between his governance and Khan’s, he highlighted the affordability of essential commodities like fuel, electricity, and food during his tenure. This comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with severe political instability and an unprecedented economic downturn.

Sharif’s journey back to Pakistan was not without its moments. Before departing from Dubai, he expressed his elation, stating, “Today I am going to Pakistan after four years and I am feeling very happy with the grace of Allah.” He also lamented the decline in Pakistan’s economic and political stature in recent years, as shared by his party on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

The Islamabad High Court’s recent decision to facilitate Sharif’s return is seen as a significant boost for him and his party, especially when pitted against the popularity of Khan, the dominant opposition figure.

However, Sharif’s path is fraught with legal hurdles. In 2020, an anti-graft court in Islamabad issued an arrest warrant against him, which was suspended until October 24. Another court has granted him bail until the same date, ensuring his protection from immediate arrest.

Adding another layer to this intricate political narrative, Sharif alleged that former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and spy chief Faiz Hameed were the architects behind his 2017 ouster, hinting at his strained ties with the military establishment.

The political landscape further shifted when Sharif’s brother, Shehbaz Sharif, took the reins after Khan’s removal. Despite his efforts, Shehbaz, whose term concluded in August, couldn’t steer the economy towards stability, although he did prevent Pakistan from defaulting.

As the nation stands at the crossroads, a caretaker government holds the reins, with the crucial vote looming in January. Sharif’s return has undoubtedly added a new dimension to Pakistan’s political theater, and the world watches with bated breath as the saga unfolds.