Inside story -- No breakthrough in Nawaz Sharif, Khaqan's London meeting

In a recent meeting held in London, self-exiled Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Mian Nawaz Sharif and the party's senior leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi failed to reach a consensus on Sharif's planned return to Pakistan on October 21. According to the 24News HD TV Channel, the meeting, which was also attended by PML-N leader Irfan Siddiqui, revealed a stark difference in their viewpoints on returning home.
Abbasi attempted to have a one-on-one conversation with Sharif during the meeting, but this did not materialize.
Former premier Mian Nawaz Sharif remained resolute in his decision to return to Pakistan on the specified date, emphasizing his lack of fear concerning potential imprisonment and legal trials.
Nawaz Sharif told Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that he had made a firm decision to return home and he knew him better as a jailmate that he was not afraid of jails and trials.
In response, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi urged Nawaz Sharif to prioritize proving his innocence in court before returning to Pakistan, suggesting a legal battle as the preferred course of action.
The meeting, as per an inside source, disclosed that no breakthrough was achieved, highlighting the ongoing differences within the PML-N leadership regarding Nawaz Sharif's return to Pakistan.
Earlier today, talking to the media after meeting with Nawaz Sharif, Khaqan said he would not welcome the party's supremo Mian Nawaz Sharif on his return to Pakistan.
Replying to a query, Khaqan said he did not bring any message for Nawaz Sharif from anyone and he met PML-N supremo Mian Nawaz Sharif as a friend of 35 years and the meeting was held in a pleasant atmosphere.
He said he had reservations about the plan for Nawaz Sharif's return to Pakistan and expressed his dissident opinion to the party's supremo as well.
Khaqan also said that he was not convinced of the reception planned for Nawaz Sharif on October 21 and that he would not welcome him.
Prior to this meeting, no one at the party was aware of the presence of Shahid Khaqan in London and his agenda.
Khaqan made a surprized visit to the Hasan Nawaz's office in London and expressed a wish to hold a meeting with Nawaz Sharif.

Reporter: Asad Malik