Nawaz Sharif Addresses Massive Rally At 'Minar-E-Pakistan' After His Return, Hints At Willingness To Improve Ties With Neighbours

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif made a triumphant return to the country, ending his four-year self-imposed exile in London, marking the occasion with a massive rally at Lahore's Minar-e-Pakistan.

The 73-year-old leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party used the platform to raise the Kashmir issue and discuss the need for an effective foreign policy and good relations with neighbours, although he did not specifically mention India in his address.

Upon his arrival in Lahore at 6pm, Sharif immediately proceeded to offer maghreb prayers at Lahore Fort. Party leaders described this act as a show of gratitude and a prayer for the country and its people.

Among those who joined him for prayers were his daughter Maryam Nawaz, his younger brother Shahbaz Sharif, and other prominent figures within the PML-N.

Following the prayers, Sharif and the PML-N leadership addressed the massive rally at Minar-e-Pakistan. Pakistan's security agencies estimated a turnout ranging from 90,000 to 150,000 participants in the event.

In his address, Sharif reiterated his commitment to addressing national challenges through a policy emphasising development and progress over aggression.

Sharif's speech encapsulated the essence of his four decades of political involvement.

He stressed the significance of collaboration among all institutions, political parties, and the various pillars of the state, including the influential Pakistan Army. According to him, working together is essential for Pakistan to secure a significant role on the global stage.

On 24 October, Sharif is scheduled to appear before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and an accountability court to address various corruption cases. During these proceedings, his legal team is expected to file a petition seeking protective bail.

Notably, on 6 July 2018, just days before the general elections, accountability court judge Muhammad Bashir convicted Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and her husband, Captain Safdar Awan, in the Avenfield Apartments case.

This case had been investigated by a six-member joint investigation team formed to examine the revelations from the Panama Papers. Following this conviction, Sharif left for the UK in 2019 on medical grounds and remained on bail during this period.

Interestingly, the IHC granted protective bail to Sharif on Tuesday, (17 October), paving the way for his return to Pakistan.