Shahbaz likely to head PML-N after ECP asks Nawaz Sharif to step down from party position

E-Paper | July 26, 2026

Senior PML-N leader Raja Zafarul Haq on Tuesday said that a decision has been taken to elect Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif as the party president.

While giving an interview to BBC Urdu, the party’s Leader of House in the Senate said that a formal announcement regarding this will be made in a day or two.

“The younger Sharif has been selected to replace Nawaz based on the wishes of a majority of party members,” Haq was quoted as saying.

Earlier in the day, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued a notice to the PML-N for the appointment of a new party leader, DawnNews reported.

The ECP in the notice said that under the Political Parties Order 2002, a disqualified lawmaker cannot hold any office in a political party.

The notification also referred to the Supreme Court order on the Panama Papers case, in which Nawaz Sharif was formally asked to step down as prime minister.

The ECP also observed that Article 15 of the PML-N's own party constitution says that if the seat of party president is vacant, it is to be filled within one week's time

The election body asked the PML-N to elect a new party leader and then inform the ECP.

Shortly after the ECP's notification was issued, DawnNews reported that the PML-N was holding a high-level meeting of senior party members, including Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar.

The notice comes a day before Nawaz Sharif is set to travel from Islamabad to his hometown Lahore in what is set to be a 'historic' two-day rally undertaken by the PML-N and ousted prime minister to garner much-needed political mileage in the face of the challenges its government is facing.

Nawaz's rival, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, on Monday had urged the PML-N to distance itself from the ousted premier, warning that it would "ruin itself" if it did not do so.

Khan had also alleged that Sharif's plan to travel to Lahore with a cavalcade on GT Road was a "deliberate attempt to undermine the Supreme Court" by calling into question its verdict in the Panama Papers case.

Sharif, while discussing the case with television anchors yesterday, said that the procession was not "a protest" but "a journey back home" that he was undertaking because "risks need to be taken for the country".

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Rashid

Aug 08, 2017 02:28pm

Thank you ECP !!!!

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AAK

Aug 08, 2017 02:31pm

Yes how a convicted can be Party leader

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Sohail Danish

Aug 08, 2017 02:35pm

Excellent Good move

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Madeeha mahmood

Aug 08, 2017 02:37pm

Yes, he is still acting as leader of the party which is extremely disappointing.

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Amer Rao

Aug 08, 2017 02:40pm

Rome was not built in a day, it takes time to learn ethics. In Pakistan we don't have much moral values tradition.

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Abdulla Hussain

Aug 08, 2017 02:40pm

Like the other outspoken person NS will only be known as bani PMLN, not much difference.

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AGHA PASHA

Aug 08, 2017 02:42pm

ECP awakens at last !

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QADIR KHAN BALOUCH

Aug 08, 2017 02:44pm

There are other people to be brought to task too, NS is not the only one. Continuously targeting him and his family while no cases against other big fish make it look victimization.

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Bilal

Aug 08, 2017 02:45pm

The ECP is a state institution which works in accordance with the law and relevant rules. I sincerely hope that the PTI, which is always criticising the ECP for being a government stooge, will appreciate this step by ECP in accordance with the law. I also hope that the PTI will cooperate with the ECO and not criticise the ECP if it takes any decision against the PTI in the future.

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muhammad hussain shah yousafzai

Aug 08, 2017 02:46pm

i m feelling proud in pakistan , thanks to ECP.

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Aug 08, 2017 02:46pm

That's a good point as institutions in country are realizing their jobs.

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muhammad hussain shah yousafzai

Aug 08, 2017 02:46pm

i m feelling proud in pakistan , thanks to ECP.

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Noman Rasheed

Aug 08, 2017 02:48pm

Finally, Pakistan is heading in the right directions. Institutions are becoming independent now. No one should be above the law.

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A Ali

Aug 08, 2017 02:53pm

thanks SC and IK.

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UMAR

Aug 08, 2017 02:53pm

Well done

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sadiq araiyan

Aug 08, 2017 02:56pm

Should appoint Farooq sattar as their party leader -- and see how Karachi and Pakistan grows !!

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Shahid

Aug 08, 2017 03:05pm

In principle he himself should have done it w/o being told by the ECP.

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PK085

Aug 08, 2017 03:06pm

Slow and steady wins the race.

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Mumtaz

Aug 08, 2017 03:08pm

His days are over.

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Syed Ahmed

Aug 08, 2017 03:11pm

The ECP is finding its backbone.

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asgher

Aug 08, 2017 03:14pm

Thank you ECP Its about time we clean our house.

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SHOAIB UL HAQUE

Aug 08, 2017 03:19pm

former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar.may now be made as Chief of PML-N vice Mian Nawaz Sharif

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Sab se pehle pakistan

Aug 08, 2017 03:23pm

The beginning of the end of the Corruption Mafias. Pakistan Zindabad

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Sher

Aug 08, 2017 03:29pm

What about his decisions, nominating current PM?

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naji

Aug 08, 2017 03:37pm

Good and correct decisions, but little late.

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Naeem

Aug 08, 2017 03:39pm

Let the law take its course

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Aziz Meenai

Aug 08, 2017 03:39pm

Risks to save own skin and assets

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Kashif

Aug 08, 2017 03:52pm

Feels like We have started moving in the Right direction.

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Viking Star

Aug 08, 2017 03:54pm

What was Ch. Nisar doing in the PML-Ns meeting??

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M Zulfiqar

Aug 08, 2017 03:54pm

I doubt Shahbaz Sharif shall be made party head...

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mariam

Aug 08, 2017 03:54pm

Finally............. it's high time that our political leaders start to discipline themselves and follow the rules.SC is to be respected and related offices must ensure the implementation of its decision. Political leaders must stop fooling the voters.

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Ghaznavi

Aug 08, 2017 03:54pm

Thank god for that. These crooks and I mean all including Zardari & Co must be hounded out of public office and competent people must be brought forward to govern the country.

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sam

Aug 08, 2017 03:54pm

i cant believe i am reading this ....

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Aug 08, 2017 03:55pm

What else can it ask at this crucial juncture in time and history?

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Ghaznavi

Aug 08, 2017 03:55pm

Must also make sure he and his family doesn't act as a shadow leader behind the scene.

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Adnan Jidaker

Aug 08, 2017 03:55pm

Good Bye Mr. Nawaz

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Imtiaz J

Aug 08, 2017 03:59pm

It is simple. Political parties with an interest for the people's welfare shall move forward.

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WOW

Aug 08, 2017 03:59pm

@QADIR KHAN BALOUCH This is not victimisation, Sharif's should abide SC verdict and move on with their lives. Not hold on to positions which will then be rightfully targeted. Law - apply to Nawaz Sharif first and then the rest. If you want to be at the top then you must be prepared to be challenged.

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M. Siddique

Aug 08, 2017 04:00pm

I think asking Nawaz Sharif to quit as party leader is not justified. It is not a position under ECP purview. He was disqualified as PM and not as party leader.

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Zak

Aug 08, 2017 04:01pm

Pack your bags Nawaz.Your time is over.Mind it

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zuk

Aug 08, 2017 04:09pm

Mian Nawaz Shareef would follow Zardari by every step. Maryam would be appointed party chairperson. That Iqama would become handy and Mian Sahib would run his party from Dubai.

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asad khan

Aug 08, 2017 04:09pm

seems like what happened with MQM has came around to PML-N

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Tanweer

Aug 08, 2017 04:09pm

High risk relly

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The end is near

Aug 08, 2017 04:09pm

Great step ECP. Thanks and let's hope the elections 2018 will be free, fair and rigging-free.

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WARRIs

Aug 08, 2017 04:11pm

This should have been automatic with the decision of Nawaz Sharif's dismissal as Prime Minister!!

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SAAF GO

Aug 08, 2017 04:12pm

Was ECP sleeping till now ? This should have been done much earlier. ECP should be taken to task for negligence.

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AHAQ

Aug 08, 2017 04:13pm

Nawaz's stubbornness must be challenged.

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SHAHZ

Aug 08, 2017 04:15pm

Not sure why it took so long after the judgement- hope no govt intervention to get the timing right!

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zuk

Aug 08, 2017 04:19pm

nice to hear there is an institution in the country called ECP

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Hasnain Haque

Aug 08, 2017 04:22pm

And how a disqualified PM still uses govt machinery and funds for their political rallies, if this is not corruption then what is.

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Ahsan

Aug 08, 2017 04:22pm

Since Nawaz Sharif has been legally removed from the government, the Party's name should also delete the letter " N" and that will be acceptable to entire Pakistan

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Hassan

Aug 08, 2017 04:22pm

@Shahid In principle he himself should have done it w/o being told by the ECP. NS and principles are two different things.

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Hasnain Haque

Aug 08, 2017 04:23pm

When organisations start working for the welfare of the people of Pakistan then one day Pakistan will emerge as a democratic and viable country. Its the people of Pakistan who need to rise and demand accountability from each and every organisation.

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BAXAR

Aug 08, 2017 04:26pm

@QADIR KHAN BALOUCH "There are other people to be brought to task too, NS is not the only one." He was the only present PM. It should always start with the present top one. Good luck Mr. Abbassi. Or would you prefer to start with the president?

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Ghalib Ghalib

Aug 08, 2017 04:31pm

Nawaz Sharif - what planet are you living on? To all the supporters of PML-N "please get in the real world". This not mickey mouse politics. Your former PM should never have been a PM in the first place because his business dealing goes against the proper customs of a civilized nation. The PM has to above doubt 100% not even above 99% but 100%. All Nawaz Sharif did to the SC was keep tight lipped like a naughty school child. This is the former PM we are talking about. Yet, you still support a former PM whose sole objective is to enrich his own family - not yours. Get real.

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Dr Khan

Aug 08, 2017 04:40pm

ECP has become independent, its acting fast against PMLN, let's hope PTI does not cry rigging rigging wherever they loose next time.

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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani

Aug 08, 2017 04:41pm

Yes, this should had been done straight after Nawaz Sharif's disqualification order on 28 July 2017. A convicted person CANNOT hold any political position and continue his or her activities. Its simply is this!

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Zulfi

Aug 08, 2017 04:43pm

Belated but Right Decision by ECP Thank you Supreme Court of Pakistan.

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Zafar Ahmed

Aug 08, 2017 04:43pm

ECP woke very late !

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ShahidHussain

Aug 08, 2017 04:46pm

At last, ECP wakes up .........

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Ahsan Gul

Aug 08, 2017 04:47pm

Accountability, making politicians accountable for their actions and money laundering to include cheating and if found guilty then prosecution is the only way ahead for Pakistan's progress. We have no institutions clean serving the most deserving public in Pakistan. Disqualified public servants must not be allowed to return and lead a party or federal institutions. In any case looted or money laundered be returned to the national exchequer.

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Uzair

Aug 08, 2017 04:48pm

Our neighbouring country media are making false propaganda like army was behind Nawaz sharif disqualification but they don't know the same supreme court forced General Musharaf to step down the same supreme court ordered the than ISI cheif General Pasha to appear in court for disappearance of many people im proud to say supreme court is the most powerful institution in the country who even take action against the army how about India? Dose your supreme court have power to even disqualify a MNA?

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Pakistani

Aug 08, 2017 04:49pm

Right step taken by ECP.........but amazing to see those people who are so joyous on these directions given by ECP, they were abusing it when it was giving directions against the will of 'living quaid e azam' IK about his party funds, and his illegal participation in the election campaigns of his party's candidate. So they will take what suits them and will keep on rubbishing whatever comes against them.

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aleem

Aug 08, 2017 04:52pm

@QADIR KHAN BALOUCH Accountability should start with the top gun. Now it is the responsibility of sitting government to extend it to all the relevant people. They have all the resources but lack the will as they know they will be caught. Why did NS not take any action against the corrupt people that you are alluding to?

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khanm

Aug 08, 2017 04:54pm

but for those who's cases of corruption charges are open can be the prime minister...

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K Alam

Aug 08, 2017 04:54pm

In my view, normally what he says is opposite to what he means..........procession was not "a protest" but "a journey back home".

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Zak

Aug 08, 2017 05:07pm

ECP is getting a handful of support from PTI.Special thanks to IK.

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Peacenik

Aug 08, 2017 05:22pm

Good decision.

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Texan

Aug 08, 2017 05:23pm

What he is failing to learn that within 6 weeks he will have NAB cases against him and within 6 months those cases will be decided. He should be worried about defending those cases and his bail, not wasting his time on GT road. If all cases are dismissed, he should be allowed to do politics without holding the office.

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Furqan

Aug 08, 2017 06:04pm

Thank you ECP

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muhammad

Aug 08, 2017 07:14pm

@Texan He knows very well the significance of NAB cases that's why he is trying to create pressure through public rallies so that the references against him and his family may not be proceeded

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muhammad

Aug 08, 2017 07:25pm

@QADIR KHAN BALOUCH "no cases against other big fish' Good please ask this question to PML (N) as they have been in power for the last 4 years in Center and 9 years in province

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Lahori kid

Aug 08, 2017 10:18pm

If all our institutions and the judiciary can uphold these standards, than I see a bright future for Pakistan and its people, but the people will have to play a bigger role in holding these parties and their leaders accountable, the courts can only do so much. Remember your struggles when voting, remember your children when voting, remember your education when voting, remember your country when voting.

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AHAQ

Aug 08, 2017 11:04pm

Nawaz should be stopped from all activities that are political in nature since he is disqualified to be in an elected office in future. This also should apply to his attempts to act politically on behalf of others. The law should be followed in meaning and its spirit and applied completely and not just be taken lightly.

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Ali

Aug 09, 2017 01:09am

PMLN is destined to see humiliating defeat in 2018 elections. The people of Pak are going to reject them outright InshaAllah. The nation is not blind. They did the same thing when they rejected Zardari/PPP after his corruption was brought to light and people voted for PMLN. Long live Pakistan...

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mohammed

Aug 09, 2017 03:26am

hOPE EVERY ONE IN PML(N) UNDERSTAND that family politic or the family owenership of the party is over and look for some to lead the party a way from Sharif family.

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Fareed N

Aug 09, 2017 04:50am

Shahbaz but not Nisar Ali, as usual all in the family,

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Momin Khan

Aug 09, 2017 05:45am

Good to establish the Rule of Law. Political decisions are made in the parliament not on the roads, as advised by PML (N) to PTI.

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Syed Imam

Aug 09, 2017 05:51am

Woe, decision has been made to elect. Where is the democracy in there?

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khan

Aug 09, 2017 06:05am

Great Decision on Pakistan future when we are celebrating Pakistan 70th Anniversary

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Umair

Aug 09, 2017 07:15am

Why no taking action against other corrupt political leaders?

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RAIS AKBAR

Aug 09, 2017 07:59am

There is non except relatives to head the party. What a democracy. Hypocrites and looters want to keep power in family. Shame on other party members for not challenging the absurdity.

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Zia

Aug 09, 2017 09:08am

Dystany politics , shame PML N

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Mohsin Raza Nadeem

Aug 09, 2017 09:48am

According to Law , Any public office holder can't hold two offices at a time , same as in case of Asif Ali Zardari , who was later became acting Chairman of Pakistan People's Party and President at a same time.

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