ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has disclosed that PML-N President Nawaz Sharif once offered him the position of Prime Minister of Pakistan, which he declined citing his own limitations and the weight of the responsibility.
The revelation came during an appearance on ARY News programme *Khabar*. Asif, a senior PML-N figure and close associate of Nawaz Sharif, described the offer as a mark of deep personal trust.
According to Asif, Nawaz Sharif proposed the top executive office to him during a period of party deliberations. Asif said he respectfully declined, telling Sharif that the role was beyond his capacity. He added that taking it would increase responsibilities significantly, and failure could lead to criticism that he had accepted it casually.
“I thanked him and said it is not in my capacity. The responsibility will increase. If I cannot perform, you will say I took it as a hobby,” Asif recalled in the interview.
**(Khawaja Asif Reveals Nawaz Sharif Offered Him PM Position)**
**Title:** Khawaja Asif Discloses Nawaz Sharif Offered Him Prime Ministership
Asif has served in multiple key portfolios across PML-N governments. These include Defence Minister from 2013 to 2017, Foreign Minister in 2017-18, and Water and Power Minister. He currently holds the Defence portfolio in the federal cabinet along with Aviation since March 2024.
The Sialkot parliamentarian has been a consistent member of the National Assembly and served as Parliamentary Leader of PML-N in the lower house since 2019.
Asif emphasised the brotherly bond he shares with Nawaz Sharif. “Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has a very loving relationship with me, like real brothers,” he stated. Despite this closeness, he turned down several opportunities offered by the party leader over the years.
The disclosure highlights internal party dynamics within PML-N, where Nawaz Sharif has often played a decisive role in leadership selections across his three terms as Prime Minister.
### Official Confirmation and Context
Asif made the comments while discussing his long association with the party and its leadership. He has been part of every PML-N cabinet in various capacities since the 1990s, including roles in privatisation and petroleum during earlier governments.
PML-N sources noted that such offers reflect Sharif’s confidence in senior loyalists during critical junctures. Asif’s refusal underscores his preference for specialised ministerial roles over the broader demands of the premiership.
Pakistan’s political landscape has seen frequent leadership transitions. Nawaz Sharif served as Prime Minister in 1990-93, 1997-99, and 2013-17. His brother Shehbaz Sharif has also held the office in recent years.
### Background on Khawaja Asif’s Career
Born in 1949, Khawaja Muhammad Asif entered politics in the early 1990s after a career in banking. He represents NA-71/NA-73 Sialkot constituencies and has won multiple elections on PML-N tickets.
His ministerial stints covered critical sectors. As Water and Power Minister, he oversaw major energy projects during the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor early phase. As Defence Minister, he managed defence modernisation and strategic policy matters.
In the current government formed after the 2024 elections, PML-N leads the coalition. Asif’s continued presence in key ministries reflects stability in the party’s defence and foreign policy team.
### Party Reactions and Political Implications
PML-N circles have reacted with interest to Asif’s revelation. It portrays an image of internal cohesion where senior leaders exercise personal judgment on high-stakes offers.
Analysts note that such disclosures are rare in Pakistan’s political culture. They offer insight into decision-making within PML-N, traditionally viewed as a tightly knit party centred around the Sharif family.
Public response on social media has been mixed. Some users praised Asif’s humility in declining the offer, while others saw it as a reflection of the demanding nature of Pakistan’s premiership amid economic and security challenges.
The country continues to navigate inflation pressures, with recent figures showing core inflation hovering around 8-10 percent in early 2026. Coalition management remains a priority for the ruling setup.
### Strategic Angle
Asif’s decision to remain in supporting roles has allowed him to focus on defence and aviation sectors. Pakistan’s defence budget for the current fiscal year stands at approximately Rs2.1 trillion, reflecting ongoing modernisation needs.
The revelation comes at a time when PML-N is balancing internal leadership questions with governance responsibilities. Nawaz Sharif continues to guide the party as its president, while operational leadership rests with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Observers suggest such personal accounts strengthen narratives of loyalty and realism within the party. They may influence future discussions on leadership succession, especially as Pakistan faces complex regional security issues, including border management and counter-terrorism operations.
Future developments will depend on how PML-N manages its coalition and prepares for upcoming political cycles. Asif’s continued role in defence indicates the party values experienced hands in critical ministries.
Questions remain about how such internal stories will shape public perception of PML-N’s decision-making processes in the months ahead.