Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in preparation for his much-anticipated return to Pakistan on October 21. He is making this return after four years in self-exile in London, despite being sentenced to prison.
Nawaz Sharif’s return was slightly delayed due to an important meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Upon his arrival at the Dubai airport, he was given “special protocol.”
Nawaz Sharif had previously traveled to London on November 19, 2019, when he fell seriously ill while in prison. His family alleged that the government, led by Imran Khan, and his “backers” had attempted to poison him. He received treatment at the Harley Street Clinic and London Bridge Hospital for four months, diagnosed with an immune system disorder. Pakistani doctors recommended foreign treatment due to his deteriorating condition despite local care.
During his two-day stay in Dubai, Nawaz Sharif will meet with a selected group of individuals before departing for Pakistan on Saturday. His journey will take him first to Islamabad and then to Lahore.
Earlier in the day, all legal obstacles to his return were cleared. He was granted protective bail in two corruption cases, and an accountability court suspended his arrest warrant in the Toshakhana case.
Nawaz Sharif will be accompanied by approximately 150 people on his chartered plane journey back to Pakistan, with journalists, politicians, and activists among those securing tickets for his return.
Nawaz Sharif, who had been in self-imposed exile in London since November 2019 for health reasons, was disqualified for life in 2017 by the Supreme Court for failing to declare a receivable salary.