Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and National Assembly opposition leader, Raja Riaz, formally announced his joining of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) after a meeting with the party’s leader, Nawaz Sharif, in London.
Following his meeting with Nawaz Sharif in London, Raja Riaz joined the Muslim League (N), expressing his unwavering confidence in Nawaz Sharif’s leadership. The gathering also included Ishaq Dar, Mian Nasir Janjua, Attaullah Tarar, Malik Ahmed Khan, Azam Nazir Tarar, and Amjad Parvez.
Addressing the media in London alongside Raja Riaz after their meeting with Nawaz Sharif, Muslim League (N) President Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Raja Riaz into the party, expressing strong optimism that his presence would greatly strengthen the party.
Responding to questions about the Supreme Court’s nullification of NAB amendments, Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that they had discussed the matter during their meeting. He clarified that the restored amendments do not replace the previous ones. He also questioned the timing of Umar Ata Bandial’s actions, pointing out that when Imran Khan changed NAB laws through presidential ordinance twice to grant NRO to his supporters, Umar Ata Bandial did not raise objections. Shehbaz Sharif alleged a nexus between NAB and Imran Khan.
Shehbaz Sharif further revealed that Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to return to Pakistan on October 21, emphasizing that any decisions on the false and baseless cases against Nawaz Sharif would be based on merit. He added that Nawaz Sharif’s legal team did not resort to the new law Lia, expressing confidence in Nawaz Sharif’s return.
In response to a question, the Muslim League (N) president criticized Umar Ata Bandial for taking controversial decisions, such as issuing a stay order on a bill passed by Parliament before it came into effect, which was unprecedented.
Shehbaz Sharif also lamented the removal of an elected prime minister due to a conspiracy, which he claimed had a lasting negative impact on Pakistan’s economy and foreign policy. He expressed hope that if given the chance, Nawaz Sharif could restore Pakistan’s progress from 2017.
During his interaction with the media, Raja Riaz expressed gratitude to both Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif for placing their trust in him and announced his participation in the nationwide mobilization for Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan.