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Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif will be appointed as the president of the ruling PML-N next month, according to sources close to the party.
A meeting was held between Nawaz Sharif — who was disqualified after the Panamagate verdict last month from continuing as prime minister of Pakistan and consequently, the head of PML-N — and Shahbaz on Monday at the former's Model Town residence in Lahore.
During the meeting, Nawaz took Shahbaz into confidence regarding his appointment as PML-N president, said party insiders. An announcement to this effect is expected on September 7.
Last week, Senator Sardar Yaqoob Khan Nasir was appointed as the party's interim president following an order from the Election Commission of Pakistan to PML-N to elect a new leader by Aug 25.
The ECP notification had stated that election laws do not allow a person who does not qualify to become a member of the parliament to serve as an office-bearer of a political entity.
Had the party failed to comply with ECP's order, Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, the former prime minister's wife, would not have been able to contest the upcoming NA-120 by polls.
Nasir was appointed to hold the post until the party decided upon a permanent replacement.
PML-N leaders have suggested the appointment of Shahbaz as party leader in recent days.
Shahbaz had previously also been touted as the next prime minister, while incumbent PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was to serve as a stopgap arrangement till the Punjab CM could be elected to the National Assembly. The plan changed, however, after some party leaders opposed the “unnecessary” disturbance in the existing political setting.
During Monday's meeting, the Sharif brothers also discussed the recently held press conference of former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.
In Sunday's press conference, Nisar admitted to "difference in opinion" with the PML-N leadership and his former cabinet colleagues but — in a show of loyalty to his party — refused to elaborate, saying it would not be appropriate to do so given the crisis facing the party.
Comments (27) Closed
Pakistan is facing the worst form of Monarchy.
Bad political move. The president of PML- N should not be a family member of the Sharifs
Ch Nissar's press conference successful in putting the pressure on Sharif Sr.
should have done it 20 years ago when Musharraf advised them...
Right political move! The prospective president is very hardworking and down to ground!!!
First right decision by the ex PM after his disqualification.
Still people think that Sharif's and Zardari (or Bhutto's as still not clear why Bilawal is Bhutto and not Zardari) are saviors of democracy. Its only about family politics, no one cares about Pakistan..
Good news for Shabaz Sharif - wait and see, when he officially takes over PMLN's chairmanship!
Why a nomination ? Why cannot a new head be elected democratically ? Why do they keep on harping about democracy if they cannot practice it in their own party ?
A class act !
GF1 will transfer his power to GF2 to continue his policies.
This appointment will clear the air of the rumors circulating that there is a clash between the two brothers families.
@ZIDDANE So, what was the first left decision? Why do you think it is a right decision?
Best decision. Shahbaz Sharif the best choice for presidency of PMLN.
Very smart move by NS, if he had given it to someone like Kulsoom or Maryam, it would have seemed like a Monarchy...I think Nisar will also be smoothed out and he will come to terms with the leadership and back to his previous position
I am just wondering when JIT model town and cases against him will open how will PML-N face them! More embarassment
Why is the next head of the party not voted in by the party. Who are the other nominees?
@ZIDDANE: democracy or napatisum
He is really deserving to be the new PMLN chief.
@Amin PML (Nawaz) is a private party owned by Nawaz Sharif family. The family can nominate anyone for any post in the party. No one can challenge.
Good job. This should put to rest all the rumour mongering going on.
@AW... It already has... A long time ago.
So.... will PML-N, officially become PML-S on that date?
It's family affair stupid. Would you now change to PML(S) so it remain a family asset.
In what capacity will Nawaz announce anything. He is not the party chief anymore.
What happened to intra party elections? Nomination of a president by an outgoing leader is NOT a democratic move.
brother to brother. all in family.