LAHORE, May 23: The PML-N parliamentary committee nominated on Thursday Shahbaz Sharif for the post of Punjab chief minister.

The committee’s decision is considered to be a mere a formality because party’s chief Nawaz Sharif had indicated soon after May 11 elections that Shahbaz Sharif would be the chief minister of Punjab for the fourth time.

Several important PML-N leaders have been saying for sometime no-one other than Shahbaz Sharif can better manage the affairs of Punjab, the party’s stronghold.

Earlier, the name of Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan was doing the round because he had won a provincial assembly seat and Shahbaz Sharif was interested in the Ministry for Water and Power to deal with the energy crisis.

According to senior PML-N leader and MPA-elect Ata Manaka, the younger Sharif is the only person who can run the affairs of Punjab effectively. “His vision for development in the province will benefit its people,” he told Dawn.

Meanwhile, Shahbaz Sharif told a delegation of students on Thursday that the future of the country was bright and those spreading pessimism would be frustrated.

“The nation which has produced a Nobel laureate and IT prodigies such as Arfa Karim can compete with any nation. By conducting nuclear tests and building the motorway and the Metro Bus Service we have proved that we are ready to face all challenges,” he said.

He said that seeing enthusiasm of the youth in his election meetings he was sure that the PML-N would emerge victorious.

“There were occasions during the campaign when I was not feeling well but the fervour and zeal of the youth forced me to attend all public meetings.”

DEMONSTRATION: Meanwhile, PML-N’s woman leader Ayesha Sughra and her supporters held a demonstration outside the Raiwind residence of the Sharif brothers demanding a reserved seat for her in the National Assembly.

According to sources, Shahbaz Sharif promised to consider Ms Sughra’s request.