In a significant turn of events, the former premier, Nawaz Sharif, has ascended to the presidency of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) unopposed, marking a noteworthy comeback after a hiatus of six years. This resurgence was widely anticipated following his acquittal last year in all allegations of corruption leveled against him.
Earlier today, the PML-N shared a video, portraying the preparations for the party’s general council meeting, with a resounding message: “The lion is poised to reclaim its rightful place at the helm.”
Six years on from losing the party presidency due to a Supreme Court ruling in the Panama Papers case, Nawaz Sharif once again finds himself at the forefront of the PML-N. Addressing the charged gathering at the general council meeting, Nawaz expressed not mere jubilation at his reinstatement but rather the dismissal of what he termed as “Saqib Nisar’s decision relegated to oblivion.”
“Why was such a ruling passed against me?” Nawaz questioned the audience. “Simply because I did not draw a salary from my son.”
Nawaz extended his congratulations to party members and his brother for steadfastly upholding the PML-N’s banner through thick and thin. He alleged that numerous forces had attempted to sow discord between him and his brother, yet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remained unwavering in his loyalty.
Highlighting a pivotal moment in their shared history, Nawaz revealed that his brother had once been offered the prime ministerial seat on the condition of sidelining him, an offer vehemently rejected by Shehbaz.
Commending PML-N scions Maryam Nawaz and Hamza Shehbaz for their unwavering resilience in the face of adversity, Nawaz emphasized their bravery and fortitude in serving both party and nation.
Further, Nawaz lauded his brother’s governance, asserting that economic indicators were already witnessing improvement. While urging commitment from his brother, Nawaz acknowledged an impending period of hardship lasting one to two years, eventually leading to prosperity.
Addressing the assembly preceding him, Shehbaz conveyed his felicitations to Nawaz on resuming the party presidency.
“The injustices perpetrated against you in 2017… Providence has restored your position and honor with resounding majority,” Shehbaz remarked.
He attributed the responsibility and trust formerly bestowed upon him to Nawaz, stressing that those who sought to denigrate Nawaz’s accomplishments through treachery and deceit had now been themselves disgraced.
Accusing PTI founder Imran Khan of orchestrating rigging in the 2018 general elections, Shehbaz admonished him for his purported criticism of the military.
Earlier, PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah outlined the party’s electoral procedures during the general council meeting. He recounted Shehbaz’s resignation from the presidency on May 11, citing a “conspiracy” against Nawaz in 2018 and “fabricated charges against him in contravention of the law and Constitution.”
Sanaullah recalled the acceptance of Shehbaz’s resignation during a central working committee meeting on May 18, wherein he was requested to continue in his role until the election.
Additionally, Sanaullah announced the appointment of the PML-N’s election commission, comprising members including Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, Ishrat Ashraf, Jamal Shah Kakar, and Khel Das.
PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal extended congratulations to the general council for a successful election, stressing the party’s demand for justice against those who exploited Nawaz to harm Pakistan’s interests.
“The perpetrators must be held accountable for pushing Pakistan towards default and further isolation in the global arena,” Iqbal asserted.
The intra-party elections took place during the PML-N’s general council meeting in Lahore, coinciding with the celebration of Pakistan’s 26th anniversary of nuclear prowess. Eleven party members submitted nomination papers for the top leadership role.
While addressing a press conference, Sanaullah, also the political aide to PM Shehbaz, hinted at Nawaz’s uncontested election. When pressed about potential opposing candidates, Sanaullah invited any interested party members to step forward, asserting that the PML-N, once subservient to power corridors, had been transformed into a party of the populace by Nawaz Sharif.
Nawaz’s removal as party president in 2018, following a Supreme Court ruling citing constitutional disqualification, marked a tumultuous period. However, his recent exoneration and subsequent resurgence signal a new chapter for the PML-N.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What led to Nawaz Sharif’s return to the PML-N presidency?
- Nawaz Sharif’s reinstatement as PML-N president follows his exoneration from all corruption charges last year, clearing the path for his return to party leadership.
2. How did Shehbaz Sharif respond to Nawaz’s reassumption of the party presidency?
- Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Nawaz on reclaiming the presidency, highlighting the injustices perpetrated against him and expressing solidarity with his brother’s leadership.
3. What allegations did Nawaz Sharif level against his detractors during the general council meeting?
- Nawaz Sharif accused certain forces of attempting to sow discord within his family and the PML-N, alleging that they aimed to undermine his relationship with his brother and loyal party members.
4. What significance do the intra-party elections hold for the PML-N?
- The intra-party elections signify a democratic process within the PML-N, allowing members to elect their leadership and reaffirm their commitment to the party’s principles.
5. How does the PML-N envision its future under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership?
- Under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, the PML-N aims to address challenges, pursue justice for past injustices, and steer Pakistan towards prosperity while upholding democratic values and principles.