(Web Desk) — Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was unanimously re-elected as the president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Tuesday, following his acquittal last year in all graft cases against him.

According to the reports, this development, widely anticipated, marks his return to leadership after a six-year hiatus.

Earlier today, the PML-N shared a video showcasing preparations for the party’s general council meeting, proclaiming: “The lion is returning to take his rightful place at the top.”

Nawaz’s re-election comes six years after he was ousted from the party presidency due to a Supreme Court ruling in the Panama Papers case. Addressing a spirited crowd at the general council meeting, Nawaz urged celebration not just for his return, but because “Saqib Nisar’s decision has been thrown into the dustbin.”

He challenged those who had disqualified him, stating, “Call those who decided that Nawaz is disqualified forever. Today, Nawaz is standing before you again. Why was the decision made and for what reason? That Nawaz didn’t take a salary from his son.”

Nawaz extended congratulations to his party members and brother, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for their unwavering loyalty during difficult times. He revealed that many attempts were made to sow discord between him and his brother, but Shehbaz remained steadfast.

The PML-N leader also claimed that years ago, Shehbaz was offered the prime minister’s position on the condition that he sidelined Nawaz, but the younger Sharif refused.

Nawaz praised PML-N leaders Maryam Nawaz and Hamza Shehbaz for enduring numerous trials, including imprisonment, with “bravery and strength” for the sake of the party and the country.

Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the general council before Nawaz, congratulated his brother on reassuming the party presidency. “The injustice committed against you in 2017 … God has restored you to the position and respect as before with this great majority,” Shehbaz declared. He added that those who attempted to “humiliate” Nawaz through “betrayal and fraud” were now shamed, while his brother stood vindicated.

The Prime Minister accused PTI founder Imran Khan of orchestrating the alleged rigging of the 2018 general elections, turning Nawaz’s victory into a defeat. He condemned Khan for allegedly criticizing the army.

PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah, addressing the general council meeting earlier, detailed the party’s electoral procedures. He noted that Shehbaz had resigned as PML-N president on May 11, citing a “conspiracy” against Nawaz and “fake cases against him in violation of law and Constitution.” Shehbaz’s resignation was accepted during a central working committee meeting on May 18, where he was asked to continue in the role until the election.

The intra-party elections were conducted during the general council meeting in Lahore. Eleven party members had received nomination papers for the top position. The election commission included Rana Sanaullah, Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, Ishrat Ashraf, Jamal Shah Kakar, and Khel Das.