Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has publicly acknowledged that the powerful military establishment of Pakistan played a role in bringing her father back from self-imposed exile in the UK. This confirmation comes as Pakistan gears up for the general election on February 8, adding a new dimension to the ongoing political dynamics.
Speaking at a rally in Nankana Sahib, Maryam Nawaz shared the stage with her father, who did not make any such claim himself. Nawaz Sharif, a three-time prime minister, returned to Pakistan in October last year after four years in exile, securing what has been described as the “blessings of the powerful military establishment.” His party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), is considered a favorite in the upcoming polls, with some opposition parties labeling him as a ‘Laadla’ (favorite) of the establishment.
Maryam Nawaz’s statement marks the first time that someone from the Sharif family has explicitly revealed the military’s involvement in bringing Nawaz Sharif back to Pakistan. She stated, “Those (military establishment) who ousted Nawaz Sharif have brought him back,” highlighting the complex relationship between the political leadership and the military in Pakistan.
Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan followed his disqualification in 2017 and subsequent convictions in corruption cases in 2018. Despite legal challenges, he left for the UK in November 2019 on “medical grounds.” Since his return, Nawaz Sharif has experienced some relief from various court cases against him, raising questions about the political landscape and power dynamics within the country.
The term ‘Laadla’ has been used by some opposition parties, including Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), to allege that Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan after striking a deal with the powerful military. PTI has claimed that under the “London Plan,” Imran Khan was sent to jail, the party was suppressed, and the government was handed over to Nawaz Sharif.
In response to these allegations, Maryam Nawaz countered by stating, “These days it is being said that Nawaz Sharif is a Laadla (of the military establishment) … yes, he is, but that of the people of the country.” Nawaz Sharif, during the same rally, criticized Imran Khan and asserted himself as a homegrown prime minister, rejecting the notion of being an “imported” leader.
As Pakistan approaches the general election, the revelations and counter-allegations between political leaders shed light on the intricate dynamics of power and influence, with the military playing a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape.