Even Nawaz Sharif, the three-time Prime Minister of Pakistan has not yet finished his term without a whirlwind. With a goal of achieving fourth term as the Prime Minister, he is still one of the leading figures in political arena and moving forward solidly. Being considered one of the most preferred even by a country’s powerful military establishment, Nawaz has much support especially in Punjab where his power is unquestionable.
The current national elections, which are taking place nowadays, can be considered as a proof of Nawaz’s lasting popularity among his loyal followers who often call him the Lion of Punjab. His stronghold in the province of Punjab has always supported political power that he had and continues to have with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party behind him Supporters of the PML-N hope that a win for this party will again entrust Nawaz with leading the nation, overseeing its nuclear arsenal which he previously commanded and ruling 240 million citizens.
However, in 2018 Nawaz Sharif suffered a major blow when he was sentenced to ten years imprisonment for the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case. He applied for permission to travel outside the country, specifically to United Kingdom seeking medical care and after a long period of time Lahore High Court granted him leave in 2019. It was at this point that Nawaz decided to leave the country and his departure created a vacuum in politics, leading people into speculation as well as anticipation of him coming back.