Nawaz Sharif returns

With India as his first agenda!

Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan on 21st October after his 4 years of self-imposed exile in London from 2019.

Marking his return, he started with a rally in Lahore’s Minar-e-Pakistan, where he announced his agenda of peacefully resolving the Kashmir issue and maintaining friendly relations with India and other neighboring countries. He mentioned that a peaceful environment and healthy neighboring relations is essential for a country to grow economically.

Who is Nawaz?

Nawaz Sharif is a Pakistani politician and a businessman, and has served as Pakistani prime minister for three consecutive terms in 1990. He has been the longest serving prime minister of Pakistan, with more than 9 years of service. He is the leader of Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N), which is the largest opposition party in the Pakistan National Assembly.

Nawaz Sharif is a controversial figure in Pakistan, some regard him as a corrupt politician while for some he is a charismatic leader.

India’s views

India has not yet made any official statement on Sharif’s return or his comments regarding India. While Indians also have mixed opinions about Sharif. He has mentioned twice visiting India, in 1999 and 2015, both pinned down by the de facto ruler of Pakistan, the Army.

Some experts have shown a positive attitude stating that it would be an opportunity for improving India and Pakistan relations, while others have accused him of being corrupt and that it would lead to increased tensions between the two countries.

This can be better understood in the next few weeks, looking at Pakistan’s further political developments.