A top party leader said on Tuesday that the PML-N is planning to field Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, as its candidate for the chief minister’s post in Punjab as general elections draw closer.
A record number of times Shehbaz served as the chief executive of Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, he served three times as prime minister from 1997 to 1999, 2008 to 2013, and 2013-18. Shehbaz also served as the prime minister for around 16 months, after the Pakistan Democratic Movement overthrew the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government led by Imran Khan.
Despite the fact that PML-N still has not begun its election campaign ahead of the February 8 elections, the party’s supremo Nawaz Sharif has returned to Pakistan and has begun to sort out his legal affairs in an effort to contest the elections and become the fourth prime minister of the country.
The PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah told Geo News’ Shahzeb Khanzada that he was convinced that in the wake of the destruction that was experienced during the Buzdar regime and the manner in which Punjab had progressed so far up to 2018, it was imperative that Shehbaz Sharif take charge of the province’s affairs.
It would have been a great achievement for Punjab to become an example for the rest of Pakistan if Shehbaz Sharif had been given the opportunity to serve as chief minister after the 2018 elections as well, said Sanaullah, who used to be the interior minister for Shehbaz in the Centre.
Shehbaz, in line with his assessment, is ready to work under Nawaz’s leadership at any position in the PML-N, despite having been elected to one of the top posts at the centre – no matter where he is put.
Shehbaz Sharif, in my opinion, is willing to work in any capacity with Nawaz Sharif, as far as his capabilities are concerned. In response to this, the ex-interior minister stated that he would not complain about it.
The PML-N’s Hamza Shehbaz (the son of Shehbaz) and Maryam Nawaz (the daughter of Nawaz) were asked by the media whether they would be willing to work under the proposed leadership. He responded: “They served jail time together while they were in opposition.” I am certain that both of them will be able to serve in whatever capacity is assigned to them by the party.”
As well as Nawaz, Sanaullah also mentioned that if his convictions were not cleared, the party would adopt another strategy if Nawaz was unable to overcome his legal obstacles and become the prime minister.
Additionally, he also revealed that it was Imran Khan who brought the matter to his attention in the same interview. As a result of his pride, the events of May 9 were triggered. He is responsible for taking them to where they are today through his policy of confrontation.”
Currently, Imran is incarcerated, along with a number of other people, for allegedly revealing state secrets. However, it is still uncertain whether or not he will be able to participate in the elections. A verdict of conviction will prevent him from taking part in the voting process if he is found guilty.
According to Sanaullah, even if a political party securing a two-third majority in the parliament is able to take the country out of the crisis alone, as all political parties will need to work together to make Pakistan a better place in the future.
Despite the fact that the elections are close, major parties are beginning to campaign – either by getting politicos to join their ranks or holding rallies across the country – however, some have also voiced concerns about a “level playing field”, claiming that they are not allowed to conduct their own political activities due to the lack of a level playing field.
The caretaker government, which has been appointed in order to oversee the country’s affairs until an elected government takes charge, has, however, refrained from favoring any party, stressing that all political parties will be treated equally.
+ There are no comments
Add yours