SOMETHING is afoot.

The signs are that the PML-N is preparing for an existence, at least temporarily, without the Sharifs.

The PML-N denials have not been powerful enough to dispel the impression. PML-N politics has taken a crucial turn.

Shahbaz Sharif has stepped down as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly, a position his camp had fought hard to secure.

Fuelling further rumours about a long absence, Mr Sharif has also quit as PML-N parliamentary leader in the Assembly.

This ‘sudden’ change of heart has left people astounded, not least PML-N supporters.

As tradition goes, the N-League cadres cannot be faulted for being unable to tell the party from the family.

The Sharifs are the party for them, notwithstanding the good reputation of anyone else being tipped to take over.

That the Sharifs will be thrown out of the contest is a fear the PML-N has had for a while. There has been much strain on the party with its two flanks initially following two distinct survival courses. But that was some time ago.

The Nawaz Sharif-Maryam Nawaz route was all but abandoned when slogans of resistance from their platform died down and the former prime minister and his ‘promising’ daughter took refuge in silence.

Next, the party as whole seemed to place its faith in the manoeuvrability of Shahbaz Sharif to rescue the faltering dynasty. The latest statement of disinterest is a deadly blow to such hopes.

If it is time for a new generation of Sharifs to take over, it would be a tough choice between Hamza Shahbaz — an extension of the Shahbaz Sharif flank — and Maryam Nawaz, who would make old-timers uncomfortable by building up an anti-establishment image.

The PML-N without the Sharifs visibly in command would be ripe for a split.

Many factors could encourage the PTI to wrest territory away from the PML-N.

A major indication of this is the new local government system being set up in Punjab. The exercise is going to provide the PTI with an opportunity to choke PML-N support at the grass roots. The task will be easier without the Sharifs.

Would they go forever, or for a certain period as happened after the 1999 coup? Who has sanctioned the exit? Who are PTI politicians hinting at when they say the Sharifs are asking someone for amnesty?

This amounts to admitting that the power to give the Sharifs — and others — relief does not lie with the PTI government.

The truth may be that when Prime Minister Imran Khan angrily says there will be no amnesty for the Sharifs and others he actually means there should be no amnesty.

He may be addressing not those asking for it but the powers who can grant it.

We must keep a tab on Mr Khan’s tone for grand disclosures about any game-changing departures.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2019