Three hours with Nawaz Sharif: reflections on a leader looking to the future

On Friday, I had the opportunity to spend nearly three hours with former Prime Minister and President of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, at his Jati Umra residence in Raiwind. We offered Jumma prayers together, shared lunch and held an extensive discussion on Pakistan’s political landscape. It was more than a courtesy meeting; it provided a rare opportunity to observe, first-hand, the thinking of a leader who remains deeply involved in shaping the direction of his party and closely following the country’s political developments.

The meeting came at a significant moment for the PML-N. Following the party’s recent success in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, there is renewed confidence within its ranks. Nawaz Sharif appeared optimistic, composed and fully focused on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

What struck me first was his health and energy. Nawaz Sharif was in excellent spirits, displaying the confidence and composure of a politician who believes his party is firmly back on the front foot. There was no sense of retirement or political detachment. Instead, there was a clear focus on governance, organisation and preparing for the future.

The recent PML-N victory in the Azad Kashmir elections has undoubtedly reinforced that confidence. For the party, the result was more than just another electoral success; it was an affirmation that its political message continues to resonate with voters. Nawaz Sharif spoke with satisfaction about the outcome, viewing it as an important milestone in the party’s broader revival.

He was equally appreciative of the performance of the Punjab Government under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. In his view, the provincial administration has demonstrated that governance and public service remain the strongest political currency. Whether through infrastructure, public welfare initiatives or administrative reforms, he believes Punjab is once again becoming the party’s showcase of governance.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also received praise during our conversation. Nawaz Sharif expressed confidence in his younger brother’s efforts to steer Pakistan towards economic stability, strengthen institutions and improve the country’s international standing during a challenging period. His remarks reflected a leadership that sees continuity and coordination within the party as one of its greatest strengths.

Perhaps the most significant observation from the meeting was Nawaz Sharif’s continued command of the PML-N. Despite years away from active frontline politics, he remains the party’s central strategic figure. Senior leaders continue to look towards him for direction, while party workers still regard him as the movement’s principal source of political inspiration.

Much has been written about Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan and his re-emergence in national politics. Yet spending time with him offered a clearer picture than any public rally or television appearance could provide. He is not merely observing events from the sidelines; he is actively shaping the party’s direction, evaluating political developments and planning for the future.

My own conclusion from this meeting is straightforward. Nawaz Sharif remains fully engaged, firmly in command of the PML-N and focused on leading his party into the next general elections whenever they are held. Whether one agrees with his politics or not, it would be a mistake to underestimate his influence or his determination.

Pakistan’s political landscape continues to evolve rapidly. But after spending three hours with Nawaz Sharif on Friday, one thing appears certain: he believes his political journey is entering a new phase, not its final chapter, and he intends to remain at the centre of Pakistan’s political discourse for years to come.