Pakistan’s former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has been issued a new passport by the new government led by his younger brother, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, making clear the way for his return to the country. Nawaz, who is currently residing in London, had been constantly targeted by the earlier government led by former prime minister Imran Khan.

In February last year, Nawaz Sharif’s passport was canceled by the earlier government as he refused to return to the country despite a court order. The new passport released last week will be valid for ten years, reported Dawn. 

The move came days after the new government removed his name from the country’s exit control list, making the way clear for Sharif's return to the country almost after two years.  

“It is unfortunate that a person who has been prime minister thrice is being deprived of national citizenship,” Interior Minister Ranasanullah was quoted as saying by Dawn.  

Sharif was allowed to leave the country on health grounds during the tenure of the previous government, a move, former prime minister Imran Khan later said was a mistake and had accused Sharif was lying about his health to stay abroad. 

Last week, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) dismissed a petition asking the court to stop the expected issuance of a diplomatic passport to Nawaz Sharif, stating that it was “based on unreliable material and is, therefore, frivolous”.

(SAM)