Islamabad: Nawaz Sharif, a three-time Prime Minister of Pakistan, is poised for a significant political comeback as the country gears up for Thursday's election.
Popularly known as the "Lion of Punjab" among his devoted supporters, Sharif is expected to lead his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party to victory, potentially reclaiming leadership of the nation of 240 million people.
This marks a remarkable turnaround from the events of the last elections in 2018, when Sharif faced a 10-year jail sentence on corruption charges, leading to his disqualification from public office shortly before the polls.
Despite his absence from the country, Sharif maintained influence, orchestrating political moves from abroad while his brother took charge following Imran Khan's removal from office in 2022.
Sharif's political career has been characterized by highs and lows, heavily influenced by his relationship with Pakistan's powerful military establishment, who are often seen as the true decision-makers in the country.
A prominent figure in Pakistan's business landscape, the 74-year-old Sharif has amassed considerable wealth from the steel industry. However, he is revered by his supporters for his down-to-earth demeanor.
Having first assumed power in 1990 with military backing, Sharif faced corruption allegations that led to his ousting three years later. This pattern of intermittent power, interspersed with spells of incarceration and exile, has defined his career.
A proponent of fiscal conservatism and economic liberalization, Sharif oversaw the privatization of several state-owned enterprises, albeit amidst allegations of corruption.
His tenure also saw significant infrastructure projects, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which bolstered ties between Islamabad and Beijing.
However, Sharif's leadership was marred by accusations of judicial interference, constitutional manipulation, and electoral fraud, leading to his overthrow in a 1999 military coup.
Despite returning to power in 2013, Sharif faced renewed corruption charges linked to the Panama Papers leak, resulting in his disqualification from office for life.
Now, with legal obstacles gradually being overturned and political dynamics shifting, Sharif finds himself on the cusp of a potential resurgence, offering him the opportunity to reclaim his political legacy as the "Lion of Punjab."
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