The interior ministry has made known its intention not to impose the travel ban, saying only the court could make such an order. That may not be a tenable position. But there are several other reasons for letting Nawaz Sharif and family go. One is a humanitarian consideration. They are not making up an excuse; Begum Kulsoom is known to be really very ill. Second, all three of them have made several visits to London during the pendency of the references, returning regularly to face legal proceedings. If the apprehension is that since the verdict is expected to be announced soon they may not return this time fearing an adverse outcome, it is a rather misplaced concern. For just last Wednesday, NAB filed two supplementary references in the Flagship Investment and al-Azizia cases against the former prime minister, naming 21 witnesses. It will take a while to record the testimony of so many witnesses. The legal proceedings are unlikely to be completed on schedule, ie, by middle of the next month, and chances are of at least another month's extension while the family is to return by March 3.
Third, the disqualified prime minister has made it abundantly clear that he is to fight for his political survival no matter what the odds may be. General elections are around the corner, and he knows he is the PML-N's binding force and its best bet to make a political comeback. His party's recent three wins in by-elections appear to have convinced him that despite the ongoing corruption court cases his support base remains intact. He along with his daughter Maryam has been addressing public rallies in different areas, claiming that their narrative against the judiciary is resonating with the people. Only the election results will tell whether or not this is a correct reading of the public mood. But Nawaz Sharif needs to keep the party buoyant and together, if not under his chosen successor Maryam - unacceptable to many party seniors - then brother Shahbaz Sharif. His survival strategy underscores the need for his stay in the country in the hope of leading his party to electoral success with his assuring presence for its supporters and sympathizers. He is unlikely, therefore, to go into self-exile at this juncture. The family's request for travel abroad to see an ailing wife and mother should be acceptable on compassionate grounds.