The Nawaz factor

Former Prime Minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif finally returned to Pakistan on Saturday after four years of self-exile in London. The PML-N organized an impressive show in Lahore. PML-N critics used to say that this party was not capable of filling jalsa venues, but the party proved them wrong on Saturday.

Critics and opponents were also pointing out that PML-N has lost significant support due to the poor performance of the Shahbaz Sharif-led PDM coalition government. There is no doubt that many PML-N supporters and independent voters are not happy with the performance of the PDM government which failed to control inflation and the economic downturn in the economy. Rising poverty, unemployment and soaring inflation undoubtedly dented the popularity of the PML-N.

The PML-N’s initial mobilization campaign was not impressive. But in the end, the party succeeded in mobilizing its support base in Punjab. The Lahore power show sends a clear message that the PML-N is still a force to reckon with in the electoral politics of Punjab.

Many political commentators and analysts had dismissed the Nawaz factor. For them, Nawaz Sharif was no longer a crucial factor in the revival of the PML-N’s popularity. They were of the view that Nawaz was disconnected from the ground realities of Pakistan, so in the current circumstances he might not be able to make a huge impact. But Nawaz Sharif once again proved that he is still the main crowd-puller for the PML-N. The Lahore power show proves that they are still willing to give another chance to Nawaz Sharif despite having some doubts or questions. The PML-N has revived its political fortunes under his leadership.

Nawaz Sharif made an emotional, passionate and well-articulated speech at Minar-e-Pakistan. He refrained himself from criticizing his opponents. An emotional Nawaz Sharif didn’t thunder as some analysts were hoping. It was not a hard-hitting anti-establishment speech. It was already clear from the speeches made by Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz at public rallies in different cities that the PML-N will not adopt a strong anti-establishment narrative as some hawks in the party were hoping. The PML-N leaders focused on economic issues and the performance of the Nawaz Sharif government from 2013 to 2017. So Nawaz’s speech was a disappointment for all those who wanted to hear a hard-hitting speech.

Nawaz sent a clear message in his speech to his party workers, the powers that be, and his opponents. He set the tone for the PML-N’s election campaign. It seems the PML-N will focus its election campaign on the revival of the economy, addressing issues like poverty, inflation and unemployment, development and improving relations with neighbours. It is really an encouraging sign that he wants to develop good relations with neighboring countries including India. Regional trade, cooperation and connectivity is vital for Pakistan to develop its own economy.

He did mention the personal pain, grief and difficulties he and his family had suffered since 2017. But he made it clear in his speech that he did not want to take revenge from anyone, rather serve the Pakistani people with the cooperation of all political parties and institutions. “I don’t have the slightest wish for revenge but all I wish is to see no poverty or illiteracy in the country.”

Pakistan needs a healing touch not the politics of hate and revenge. Pakistan needs unity, cooperation and solidarity among the political leadership and other stakeholders not hatred and divide.

He also warned powerful quarters in carefully chosen words to not play with the future of the country, saying that “I am talking with much restraint today so that I may not utter the words that I’m not supposed to…We should not allow anyone to play with the country’s fate in the future.”

Nawaz Sharif also made it clear that he wants to improve relations with neighbours. He didn’t mention India but promised to undertake an independent foreign policy. He said that “we can’t progress under conflict with the neighbours”. He did mention Kashmir in his speech. He said that Pakistan would have to move ahead “with grace and tactics” for the resolution of the Kashmir issue. He strongly condemned the Israeli aggression against Palestinians and asked Pakistanis to support Palestine.

Without naming Imran Khan and the PTI, he criticized the PTI government for record inflation in the country. “This didn’t start in Shahbaz’s tenure. It started way before that. The dollar was out of control, bills were going up, and rates of daily utilities and petrol were also surging.

Nawaz Sharif should immediately initiate a grand dialogue between the country’s political leadership and other stakeholders to prepare a future plan of action for Pakistan and to hold free, fair and transparent elections. The current economic situation demands pro-people economic reforms. He is well-placed to undertake such initiative. He can make a difference.

The writer is a freelance journalist.