Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday visited the residence of former interior minister and estranged PML-N leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in Rawalpindi, marking their second meeting in eight years and stirring fresh speculations about key political developments.

According to sources, the meeting, which also included Chaudhry Nisar’s son Taimur Ali Khan, focused on current political affairs and future alignments.

During the visit, PM Shehbaz extended a formal invitation to Chaudhry Nisar to return to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

In a brief exchange of pleasantries, Prime Minister Shehbaz joked, “Chaudhry Sahib, you’ve forgotten us,” to which Nisar replied, “No, no Mian Sahib, just haven’t been feeling well lately.”

Sources close to the matter suggest that the prime minister also offered condolences on the recent passing of Chaudhry Nisar’s sister, framing the meeting in both personal and political terms.

Chaudhry Nisar, once a key figure in PML-N, parted ways with the party in 2018 after more than 34 years of affiliation. At the time, he cited a divergence of principles, stating, “I do not do politics for power, but for dignity.”

He contested the 2018 general election as an independent candidate from multiple constituencies in Rawalpindi, criticizing PML-N for awarding party tickets to what he termed “political orphans.”

Despite attempts by PTI to bring him into their ranks —facilitated by his personal rapport with PTI founder —Chaudhry Nisar declined to join the party.

This recent meeting, following their previous encounter last year after a seven-year gap, signals a possible thaw in relations and raises speculation about Chaudhry Nisar’s potential return to mainstream politics through the PML-N.

However, no official statement confirming his return has yet been issued.