Supporters gather in Lahore as Pakistan's self-exiled former PM Nawaz Sharif returns home

Описание: (21 Oct 2023)

RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Lahore - 21 October 2023
1. Supporters of former Pakistani Prime minister Nawaz Sharif chanting (Urdu) “Prime minister Nawaz Sharif” as they arrive at welcoming rally
2. Supporters holding banners and chanting slogans
3. Various of women supporters arriving at rally, some carrying children and party flags
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Uzma Bukhari, former lawmaker:
“We are super delighted, no doubt about it because he's (Nawaz Sharif) back after four yes, four long years and when he was going out, he was in a miserable condition, his life was at stake and after all these circumstances he is coming like a king. And today he will speak to a mammoth gathering inshallah (god willing) and his speech will be a landmark speech will never be forgotten in the history of Pakistan politics so we have fingers crossed and we are waiting for Quaid (leader) to land here.”
5. Various of supporters dancing and carrying party flags
6. SOUNDBITE (Urdu) Madiha Shiekh, supporter:
“Today our beloved leader who has always led Pakistan towards development is arriving. And we are happy that Pakistan will move towards development again.”
7. Top shot of supporters, historical Badshai mosque in background
8. Minaret of Badshai mosque
9. Dancers performing
10. Poster showing Sharif’s picture
11. Wide of stage, Sharif posters
STORYLINE:
Hundreds of people in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore gathered ahead of a rally on Saturday by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who returned home after four years of self-imposed exile in London.

The thrice-elected former prime minister arrived on a chartered plane from Dubai, as he seeks to win the support of voters in parliamentary elections due in January.

In Lahore, Sharif's supporters decorated the city with his photos and party flags.

Among those gathered for the rally was former lawmaker Uzma Bukhari who said she was "super delighted" about Sharif's return.

Sharif is expected to face tough competition from the party of former premier and his main rival, Imran Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022 and is currently imprisoned after a court convicted and sentenced him to three years in a graft case.

Sharif has been a fugitive since he failed to appear before a Pakistani court in 2019 following his conviction and sentencing of 10 years in prison on corruption charges.

Khan, at the time, allowed him to travel abroad to receive medical treatment after complaining of chest pains.

Sharif later prolonged his stay in London, saying his doctors were not allowing him to travel.

Two days ago, a Pakistani federal court granted him several days of protection in graft cases, clearing the way for his return home from the self-imposed exile.

A caretaker government is currently in power and it will hold the vote in January.

AP video shot by Muhmmad Farooq

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