Dubai huddle

It was a hot and humid day in Dubai, but the political temperature was even higher. Three of Pakistan’s most prominent politicians had landed in the city for a crucial meeting that could shape the future of the country.

Nawaz Sharif, the former prime minister and leader of the PML-N, had arrived from London, where he had been living in exile since 2019. He was accompanied by his daughter Maryam, who was also the senior vice-president and chief organizer of the party.

Asif Ali Zardari, the former president and co-chairman of the PPP, had flown in from Karachi with his son Bilawal, who was also the chairman and foreign minister of the party.

The trio had a common agenda: to discuss political challenges facing Pakistan, and to devise a strategy for the upcoming general elections. They also wanted to explore the possibility of Nawaz’s return to Pakistan, after a recent amendment in the law that reduced his disqualification period from life to five years.

The meeting took place at the Emirates Hill residence of Ishaq Dar, Nawaz’s former finance minister and son-in-law. The venue was chosen for its security and privacy, as well as its proximity to the royal family of Dubai, who had extended their protocol and hospitality to the guests.

The meeting lasted for several hours, during which the leaders exchanged views on various issues. Despite the PPP having previously explicitly ruled out the notion, there is much speculation regarding whether the two sides may contemplate forming an electoral alliance. There are also rumors that Mr. Sharif and Mr. Zardari would discuss election dates and potential candidates for a caretaker administration.  However, without a doubt, each side will have its eye on the prize—victory in the polls—as the two sides meet to discuss the country’s political future.

Another significant step is the adoption of an amendment to the Election Act of 2017, which effectively repeals the lifetime disqualification of legislators under Article 62(1)(f). The amendment will open the door for Mr. Sharif’s return to politics if the interim president signs it into law. Mr. Sharif has been holding onto this hope ever since he was found to be ineligible for office and dismissed in 2017.