Pakistan’s Nawaz Sharif Returns from Exile, Vows to Tackle Record Inflation
Nawaz Sharif Begins Campaign for Election
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has returned to his homeland after four years of self-imposed exile in London. Addressing thousands of supporters in Lahore, Sharif promised to tackle the country’s record inflation and work towards economic recovery. Despite his convictions and inability to run for public office, Sharif’s party aims to secure his fourth term as prime minister.
A Challenging Political Landscape
Sharif’s biggest rival is current Prime Minister Imran Khan, who, despite being in jail, remains popular. Both politicians are disqualified from running in the upcoming election due to corruption convictions. Pakistan is currently grappling with an economic crisis, with inflation at over 31% and projected growth of less than 2% this financial year.
Sharif’s Pledge for Economic Prosperity
During his previous tenure as prime minister, Sharif focused on economic growth and development. However, the economic situation has worsened under the rule of his brother, Shehbaz Sharif. Rising living costs have put immense pressure on Pakistani citizens, with many struggling to pay their bills and feed their families.
A Rocky Relationship with the Military
Sharif claims that his removal from government was orchestrated by the powerful military, with whom he had fallen out. He alleges that the military backed Imran Khan in the 2018 general election, but both the military and Khan deny these accusations. Despite their previous differences, the military and Sharif are currently in a relatively cordial phase, which may benefit Sharif politically.
Looking Ahead
Nawaz Sharif’s return from exile marks the beginning of an intense political battle in Pakistan. As he launches his campaign for the upcoming election, Sharif’s focus on tackling inflation and driving economic recovery will be closely watched. The outcome of the election will determine the course of Pakistan’s future and its ability to overcome the current economic crisis.
