ISLAMABAD: Is Nawaz Sharif making a political comeback? The Gilgit-Baltistan elections, scheduled for June 7, may be the first real answer. PML-N President Nawaz has largely remained out of active political campaigning since returning to Pakistan after a four-year self-exile in October 2023. Although he made a public appearance upon his return, his political role since then has remained largely confined to internal party matters and organisational engagements. He did not lead an active campaign during the 2024 general elections, a move that reinforced perceptions of a restrained political presence despite his party's return to power at the Centre. His absence from the campaign trail was not incidental; Nawaz returned from exile with his legal position still unsettled, his disqualification history unresolved. Shehbaz, with his closer relationship with the establishment and cleaner legal record, was the safer face.
Renewed Political Activity
Ahead of the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) elections, speculation over Nawaz Sharif's political reactivation has gained momentum. His move to undertake electioneering activities in the region, along with planned visits for rallies and public engagements, has fuelled debate over whether this marks the beginning of a renewed phase of political visibility beyond party management. The PML-N president is scheduled to undertake a one-day visit to G-B on Tuesday (today), during which he will meet party leaders and ticket holders, and exchange views on the elections and development priorities for the region.
Party Perspective
Senator Pervaiz Rashid, a close aide of Nawaz, said the former prime minister's engagements in G-B reflect his routine responsibilities as party head, adding that he continues to fulfil them whenever required. "Whatever responsibilities Nawaz Sharif has, he fulfils them. Earlier, he attended the parliamentary party meeting in Azad Kashmir. When the parliamentary party meeting for G-B was held, he participated in that as well. Whenever the time comes and his presence is required, as party head he fulfils all his responsibilities," Rashid said.
Analyst View
On the other hand, according to PILDAT President Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, Nawaz's active involvement in the G-B campaign marks a notable shift, as he has generally remained away from direct campaigning in AJK and G-B in the past. He said the move could indicate a bid for greater political visibility within the party, adding that past political setbacks, including not assuming the prime minister's office after the 2024 elections, may have influenced his positioning. However, Mehboob noted that there is also a practical dimension to Nawaz Sharif's role, pointing out that sitting prime minister and federal ministers are legally restricted from campaigning, leaving him as the most prominent PML-N figure available to lead the effort.
