For months, the PML-N leadership has constantly been casting the PML-N’s top leader as the ‘only hope of the nation’ – an attempt to counter PTI chairman Imran Khan and his growing popularity – and has frequently predicted his 'imminent homecoming'. Several PML-N leaders, including Javed Latif, had to chew their words as the deadlines that they gave for Sharif’s return turned out to be false. That didn’t happen as in September Latif said he was not sure about Sharif’s return. Not long ago, PML-N leadership would proudly say that its ticket had become a hot cake and Imran Khan’s politics were over. Political commentators say that the court cases and sentences have also barred Sharif's return till now.

Source: The Express Tribune March 14, 2023 08:59 UTC