Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has hinted that PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif could return to the country next month.

It may be mentioned here that Shehbaz Sharif is in London to look after his ailing elder brother, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Talking to newsmen in Lahore on Saturday, Sheikh Rashid said neither Nawaz Sharif is coming to Pakistan, nor is Maryam Nawaz going abroad. However, the minister hinted at Shehbaz Sharif’s return to the country in March, saying that his advice to the younger Sharif is to enjoy himself in London.

Sheikh Rashid’s statement about Maulana Fazlur Rehman suggested a slight paradox as he said that the Maulana could be tried under Article 6, but added that he is too old for it now.

“This time we won’t treat the protesters as politely as we did the last time; if the Maulana came to Islamabad again, he will be arrested this time.”

Sheikh Rashid said that the Supreme Court has suggested selling railway properties to recover losses. He said that if only a building is sold out in Karachi railway can bridge its deficit this year.

About the PTI-led government, the minister said that the ruling coalition is going to complete its five-year term, with nobody going home.

Defending the government of which he is an essential part, Sheikh Rashid said that no government intends to give a tough time to its people. He said that it is inflation that is the biggest challenge for the government. However, he added that the government would not follow IMF directions regarding the electricity tariff.