With the nomination of Shehbaz Sharif’s name as the candidate for the premiership in the next general elections by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), rumours of rifts within the Sharif family have died down, BBC Urdu has reported.
In a meeting at his residence in Lahore, on Wednesday, deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif named his brother for the coveted slot.
BBC reported that according to political analysts this decision was based on party’s strategy regarding the establishment.
Party’s MNA Rana Afzal commented that the announcement by Nawaz has removed all the doubts. “Other parties were criticising us and were speaking of possible divisions within the party, however, things have become clearer now,” said Afzal.
There was a common perception that Nawaz’ stern reaction to his disqualification by the apex court had generated a difference of opinion within the family and the party.
The former PM has been accusing judiciary and other institutions of having a negative bias against him, while Shehbaz has been advising against confrontation [with the institutions].
Journalist Sohail Warraich said that the move to name Shehbaz for the premier position was rather ‘tactical’ as Shehbaz has always advised his brother to adopt a non- confrontational approach.
According to him, the PML-N looks to gain from this decision in the forthcoming elections.
He further said that the ruling party wants to please the establishment by nominating a person of their liking as the next possible prime minister; while on the other hand, it wants other parties to know that it plans to give them a tough competition with a candidate as credible as Shehbaz.
“Shehbaz is a determined leader and is popular among the masses as an administrator and this decision has paved way within the party for the next elections,” said MNA Rana Afzal.
When asked if PML-N has accepted the so-called minus-one notion, Afzal said: “Nawaz will still become the premier if he is allowed to contest the next elections, but he can’t do so [after being disqualified for the slot].”
However, in the backdrop of her consistent support to her father during the NA-120 election campaign and appearance in the accountability courts Nawaz’ daughter Maryam Nawaz is being seen as his political heir.
When asked about what future he sees for Maryam, Afzal said that “Maryam has never been seen as a candidate for the premiership but her role in the next elections is going to be based on her evolving political stature.”
He further said that Maryam was herself present when this decision was taken.