THE British Home Office’s refusal to accommodate former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s request to extend his visa in the UK on medical grounds has led to a commotion. Many of his critics took to social media to predict that the self-exiled PML-N leader, who has been living in London for over 20 months, would soon be sent back by the UK authorities.

PTI ministers also jumped in to offer him temporary travel documents on short notice if he decided to return to face graft charges and complete his sentence in what his party claims is a trumped-up corruption case. For the government, the Home Office decision is an endorsement of its stance that the PML-N’s assertion regarding their leader’s precarious health condition is wrong. Meanwhile, the PML-N has tried to downplay the implications of the decision, and has ruled out Mr Sharif’s return anytime soon.

Indeed, there may be ways for Mr Sharif to legally extend his stay in the UK for a few years despite the visa rejection, as immigration experts have pointed out. He has already filed an appeal with the British Immigration Tribunal so that he can legally remain in the UK till a decision is made. This could take up to one and a half years. Even when his appeal rights are exhausted, the former prime minister could continue his stay in London beyond that period if he chooses to avail the subsequent judicial reviews in case of an unfavourable tribunal decision. But will that be a wise course to follow?

In pictures: The rise and fall of Nawaz Sharif

In self-exile, Mr Sharif has enjoyed complete liberty to lead his party remotely and express his views without restraint. His return will land him in prison as the government has repeatedly indicated, and will limit his ability to talk freely and stay in touch with his party unless he can get some relief from the courts, which is improbable.

Ever since he was allowed by the court to leave the country for medical treatment on a four-week bail, he has repeatedly pledged to come back although he has never indicated when he planned to return. If ever there was an appropriate time to keep his pledge, it is now. Instead of trying to extend his stay abroad indefinitely, he should return to fight his case in court, regardless of his and his party’s reservations about the charges against him. His presence would boost the PML-N’s chances in the next elections.

However, it is also quite obvious that the government has created an environment where it is seen as pursuing its political rivals through agencies such as NAB and FIA, with a vengeance. It must now restrain itself and issue a passport to the PML-N leader that it had so far refused to do. By appearing to target Mr Sharif and his party, it is only causing more divisions in an already acrimonious environment.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2021