Former interior minister Rana Sanaullah said on Wednesday that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif will spearhead the party in the upcoming elections.

Speaking to media in Lahore, the PML-N stalwart expressed his thoughts in line with the return of the former premier to the country. "We will welcome Nawaz Sharif with great verve."

He was of the view that the census that was held in 2017 was controversial.

Speaking about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Mr Sanaullah said: "The PTI should take part in the general elections as the political party."

He recounted the events that transpired on May 9, saying, "People who were involved in the May 9 events should be separated from the PTI."

Nawaz Sharif to arrive in Pakistan on Oct 21, confirms Shehbaz Sharif

In connection with the arrival of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to the country, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif confirmed on Tuesday that the party's supremo will return on October 21.

The development came after Shehbaz Sharif and former defence minister Khawaja Asif called on Nawaz Sharif. Expressing his thoughts following his meetup with Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif said, "It has been decided in the party meeting that Nawaz Sharif will touchdown in Lahore on October and will be welcomed overwhelmingly.

Regarding the preparations for the PML-N supremo’s return, Shehbaz Sharif will reach Lahore within a few days to review the preparations.Sources divulged that Shehbaz will perform Umrah before his return to the country. He will return to Lahore from Jeddah.

According to the sources, the party workers from across the country had been told to reach out to welcome Nawaz Sharif with verve on the occasion of the latter’s arrival in Lahore.