LAHORE: PML-N leader Azma Bukhari has expressed regret over the propaganda aimed at creating confusion about the return of the former prime minister Nawaz Sharif after four years on Oct 21.

Speaking at a press conference at the party office here on Sunday, she said that the PTI was spreading negative narratives about the scheduled return of the PML-N supremo. She said that Nawaz Sharif would present a plan for the revival of the national economy during the reception being organized for him at Minar-i-Pakistan lawns on the day of his return.

She said that even though the party president Shehbaz Sharif had unequivocally stated that his elder brother was returning on Oct 21, the PTI was deliberately creating confusion about the planned homecoming. She alleged that the PTI had previously attempted to push Pakistan to the brink of economic collapse and create chaos on May 9.

Recalling the achievements during the previous term in power by Nawaz Sharif, including the elimination of terrorism, the reduction of power load-shedding, and the initiation of work on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, she stated that the return of the elder Sharif symbolized hope and prosperity for the people of Pakistan.

Addressing the issue of the unprecedented price hike during the 16-month rule of the PML-N-led coalition government, Ms Bukhari argued that the Shehbaz government had successfully managed macro-economic stability to prevent the country from defaulting on foreign payments.

Regarding allegations that Mr Sharif is returning under a deal, she said that if that were the case, there would not have been discussions about the former prime minister’s potential arrest upon his return.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2023