Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made a significant return to Pakistan’s National Assembly on Thursday, taking oath as an ordinary lawmaker in the 16th session of the assembly. This marks his reentry into parliamentary politics after a hiatus of seven years, during which he relinquished his position as premier following disqualification in 2017.
The 74-year-old leader, a three-time prime minister of Pakistan, stepped aside from his bid to lead the country for a record fourth term after his party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), faced electoral setbacks. In a twist of fate, Nawaz Sharif passed on the mantle of prime ministership to his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, 72, following a disappointing performance in the recent elections.
Returning to Parliament after his disqualification in 2017, Nawaz Sharif’s terms as prime minister were marked by intermittent tenures, none of which completed a full five-year term. Despite this, he remains a prominent figure in Pakistani politics and a key leader of the PML-N.
The oath-taking ceremony witnessed protests from members of Imran Khan’s party, alleging vote rigging. Nevertheless, Nawaz Sharif, alongside his brother Shehbaz, took the oath amidst the charged atmosphere.
Historic visuals from the ceremony shared by the PML-N showcased Nawaz Sharif’s entrance to Parliament, greeted by party members and supporters, with a celebratory song playing in the background. Despite the setback of not assuming the prime minister’s office, Nawaz Sharif’s return to the political forefront reaffirms his enduring influence within the PML-N.
The political landscape in Pakistan remains complex, with coalition arrangements shaping the government formation process. Independent candidates, supported largely by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, secured a significant number of seats in the National Assembly. As negotiations unfold to form a government, Nawaz Sharif’s decision to nominate Shehbaz Sharif for the prime minister’s position underscores the intricacies of political maneuvering within the country.
Despite stepping back from the spotlight, Nawaz Sharif remains an influential figure within the PML-N, as evidenced by his continued involvement in political decision-making. With Pakistan facing challenging times ahead, his return to Parliament signals a renewed commitment to navigating the country through turbulent waters, as he emphasized the need for unity and resolve to overcome the nation’s pressing issues.
Sources By Agencies
