New Delhi

The PML-N has ruled out the immediate return of Nawaz Sharif from London despite Shehbaz Sharif taking over as the Prime Minister, Dawn reported.

"Nawaz Sharif has no immediate plans to return. The Sharif family thinks that his early return will establish the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's (PTI) propaganda that he does not have serious health issues," a senior PML-N leader.

"The other factor Nawaz will weigh before deciding to return is how the 11-party coalition government functions in the coming months in the face of the growing PTI pressure for early elections."

In reply to a question about a tentative date for the former Prime Minister’s return, another leader said: "Either just before the next polls or right after. If Nawaz gets some relief in the corruption cases ahead of the next elections, the party will press him to return to spearhead the PML-N's election campaign. To match Imran Khan's canvassing, the PML-N needs Nawaz around."

He claimed that since the new government led by Shehbaz Sharif would most likely try to secure relief for Nawaz in the cases lodged against him, Imran Khan's party had rolled up its sleeves to 'orchestrate propaganda' over the plausible development.