Nawaz Sharif

The reports indicate that the RO rejected the objections and cleared Nawaz Sharif to run in the election. If the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Nawaz Sharif, emerges victorious in the February 8 election, it would mark his fourth election to the highest office.

Sharif likened the situation to a self-inflicted wound, stating, "Today, where Pakistan finds itself economically is not the result of actions by India, the US, or even Afghanistan. In reality, we have shot ourselves in our own foot.

Expressing his bewilderment, Sharif stated, "I should be told why I was ousted in 1993 and 1999. When I opposed the Kargil plan saying it should not happen... I was ousted (by Gen Pervez Musharraf).

Sharif outlined his party PML-N's agenda, focusing on improving relations with India, Afghanistan, and Iran while aiming to strengthen ties with China.

Addressing a rally in Lahore, hours after his return - months before the next general elections, expected to be held early in 2024, he said that his relationship with the nation is the same as when he left the country and he was proud to see "loyalty in the eyes of people", Geo TV reported.

The former premier -- who is embattled in various cases, including the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) Avenfield, Al-Azizia and Hill Metal and the Flagship references -- had left for London in December 2019 on medical grounds after the Lahore High Court had granted him permission to travel abroad for four weeks, ARY News reported.

Shehbaz Sharif, who led the Pakistan Democratic Movement coalition government from April 2022 to August 2023 after ousting his predecessor Imran Khan from office in a no-confidence vote in Parliament, is now setting the platform for the return of his elder brother Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan through a heroic welcome.