Punjab CM advises her to abstain from politics of confrontation
Nawaz’s daughter says had good chat with both of them, other family members
LAHORE: Ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Maryam Nawaz held an important meeting with her uncle Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and cousin MNA Hamza Shehbaz after a period of six months.
According to media reports, the meeting came after Shehbaz’s meeting with other PML-N leaders, including former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif and Railways Minister Saad Rafique.
Former PM’s daughter was called after the Punjab CM’s meeting with senior party leaders, where she was apprised of all the circumstances.
The meeting included discussion on running political affairs in the absence of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
Shehbaz emphasised on better ties among all national institutions, saying the current atmosphere of confrontation between institutions “is not in the best interest of the country”.
“The present atmosphere of confrontation between institutions is not in the best interest of the country,” Shehbaz said during the meeting.
“Every institution should work within its parameters for a sustainable political environment, which is beneficial for the country’s progress and prosperity,” he added.
Shehbaz also inquired after Kulsoom Nawaz’s health condition—who is under treatment in London—and prayed for her early recovery.
The chief minister’s comments came in the backdrop of a simmering controversy stirred by a recent spat between Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal and DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor.
‘HAD GONE FOR SALAM’
After the meeting, Maryam tweeted: “Had gone for salam to my uncle’s where he most lovingly treated me to lavish afternoon tea.”
Had gone for salam to my Uncle's where he most lovingly treated me to lavish afternoon tea. Surprised to see the spin given by media!
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) October 17, 2017
She added that she was “surprised to see the spin given by media.”
Further elaborating on her meeting, she said, “Had good chat with him [Shehbaz Sharif], my brothers Hamza, Suleman & other family members.”
She, however, warned that “those who wish to drive a wedge will remain unsuccessful as always.”
Had good chat with him,my brothers Hamza,Suleman&other family members. Those who wish to drive a wedge will IA remain unsuccessful as always
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) October 17, 2017
Sources also described Hamza’s inclusion in the meeting as an effort to end the “cold war” between the two cousins.
It is crucial to note here that Hamza Shehbaz was to campaign for his party in the NA-120 by-election; however, he went abroad all of a sudden.
After his departure, Maryam took the charge and extensively campaigned for her mother, whom the party fielded as its candidate.
Her campaign proved to be a success, which saw Kulsoom elected as a member of the National Assembly.
It merits mentioning here that since her arrival from London, Maryam has not gone to Jati Umra residence or Model Town house but has been staying at her son-in-law’s house.
Later, she visited NA-120 and met with the residents of the area. “Nothing is as gratifying as being with them,” she tweeted while describing her visit.
Nothing is as gratifying as being with them ! pic.twitter.com/sAOrunfX9q
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) October 17, 2017
Affection galore ! Streets of NA-120. pic.twitter.com/aoFpq4WToj
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) October 17, 2017
The NA-120 seat fell vacant following the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif as the prime minister by the Supreme Court on July 28.
In the 2013 elections, Nawaz had won the seat by a substantial margin, defeating PTI’s Yasmin Rashid.
