KARACHI : The high-level huddle of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in London decided on Monday that if victorious in next year’s general elections, the party’s prime ministerial candidate will be Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
As reported in Geo News’ programme Aaj Shahzab Khanzada Kay Saath on Monday night, according to sources, it was also decided in the meeting, chaired by PML-N President and former premier Nawaz Sharif and attended by Shehbaz and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, among others, that statements on party policy will now be given by the Sharif brothers and not their respective children — Maryam Nawaz and Hamza Shehbaz.
During the meeting, which lasted over three hours and was held at Nawaz’s son Hasan Nawaz’s office, Shehbaz and the prime minister attempted to convince Nawaz to avoid clashing with state institutions, especially so close to next year’s general elections.
Agreeing with the proposal, sources said Nawaz was of the opinion that one cannot be expected to stay quiet if an injustice has been meted out to them.
Moreover, Abbasi and Shehbaz have been directed to improve relations with state institutions and also place the PML-N’s grievances before them.
During the news show, senior journalist Hamid Mir said the meeting was held in London as Nawaz wanted to speak freely. Mir contended that there is a difference of opinion on the way forward between the party and government.
Mir also informed that the meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Asif Khawaja and Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal.