KARACHI, May 5: Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) said here on Wednesday that the government was afraid of the return of Shahbaz Sharif, and it was why it had been issuing threatening statements.

Talking to Dawn, PML-N Sindh chapter secretary-general and former governor Mamnoon Hussain, said that he had a telephonic conversation with the party chief, Mr Shahbaz Sharif, who was determined to return to the country without any fear.

He said that Mr Shahbaz Sharif was neither worried about his arrest, nor from the cooked up cases instituted against him in his absence. In reply to a question, he said that there was enough enthusiasm among party activists in Sindh who were planning to reach Lahore on May 11 by trains on their own to accord a warm welcome to their leader.

PML(N) central leader Nadir Chaudhry said that the so-called threats by the government could not block the return of Mr Shahbaz Sharif. According to Mr Nadir Chaudhry, following the judgment of the Supreme Court, there was no justification of restraining Shahbaz Sharif from returning to Pakistan.

He further said that with the announcement of the date for return of Shahbaz Sharif, the government and its ministers have been threatening him of sending Mr Sharif to the prison, or sending him back to Saudi Arabia as per deal.

He said that it was on record that Mr Shahbaz Sharif was sent on forced exile by the authorities as he was not willing to leave the country. Likewise, he said out that when he was declared an absconder, in some cooked up cases registered against him in his absentia, Shahbaz Sharif, who was in New York for his treatment, had asked the government to issue him a passport so that he could defend himself. But, it was the government which failed to respond to his request.

Another leader of the party, Sardar Abdul Raheem, who is also ARD Sindh chapter vice president said that the decision of Shahbaz Sharif had created a fear in the ranks and file of turncoats and supporters of the government.

He said if the rulers believe in rule of law and have courage to face the reality, they should issue passport to Mr Shahbaz Sharif and his family members and facilitate them to return home without a fuss.

Sardar Raheem said the party's reception on May 11 in Lahore would be a unique one and would exhibit people's love for the Sharif family. It would also give a boost to the on-going struggle for restoration of a true democratic order in the country.