As the date of March 23 set for the proposed return of Shahbaz Sharif draws nearer, the Pakistan Muslim League, Nawaz (PMl-N) leadership seems increasingly concerned at the scenario likely to unfold after the return of the party president.

The fact that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has warned that it may not be able to mobilise its leaders to turn out in large numbers to welcome Shahbaz, a man long seen by the party as an enemy, also means the PML-N is concerned about according a "suitable" welcome to Shahbaz.

Inquiries made by the PML-N at various levels have also led to indications that as far as any government decision is concerned, Shahbaz Sharif would be arrested immediately on his return, and an attempt may be made to deport him to Saudi Arabia.

Several high level PML-N meetings on the matter in Lahore and Islamabad over the past few days have seen a difference of opinion emerged over Shahbaz' return.

While senior party leader and former federal minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali, has, according to insiders, strongly voiced his opinion that the "time is not right" for his return, others, such as Syed Zafar Ali Shah, believe his return is "vital" to keep the party galvanised and in "good spirits."

Chaudhry Nisar told Gulf News: "I am not aware of any definite date for Shahbaz' return." Others, such as Tehmina Daultana, continued to hold "Shahbaz will be back within days or weeks."

The PML-N, once a political force in the Punjab today lacks the muscle to organise a welcome for its leader on its own. The setting up of the PML-Quaid-e-Azam, and the exile of the Sharif family, has meant the PML-N today is only a shadow of its former self. Leaders agree the party cannot "bring out lakhs of people" as had once been the case.

The need to remedy this situation is also one that has led party leaders toconsider the possibility that Hamza Shahbaz, Shahbaz Sharif's elder son, and the only male member of the Sharif clan currently in the country, should enter politics immediately.

"Hamza is young, goodlooking and he is a Sharif. His role is vital to mobilise party workers and to revive the party," one PML-N leader said.