LAHORE: PML-N President Nawaz Sharif on Monday “directed” the governments of his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif and daughter Maryam Nawaz in the Centre and Punjab, respectively, to take the party on board in the decision-making on important issues.

During a maiden meeting after becoming the party’s president on Monday, the elder Sharif made it clear that both governments should be free from “bureaucratic influence”.

PML-N Punjab President and Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah and Khawaja Saad Rafique briefed the former prime minister on the government’s talks with the PPP to mitigate its concerns and the proposal to hold negotiations with Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).

“A detailed discussion took place in a meeting with Nawaz Sharif today in which he sought suggestions for enhancing the role of the party in the government affairs. He also wants the government to take important administrative decisions in consultation with the party,” Rana Sanaullah told Dawn after the meeting.

Chairs first huddle after regaining control of PML-N; briefed on talks with PPP, Imran’s ‘obstinacy’

He further said that Mr Sharif had convened a meeting of the party’s senior leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, after the approval of the respective budgets to hammer out these issues.

“There has been an impression that the government has bureaucratic footprints in its decision-making which have to be replaced with political ones,” he added.

Mr Sanaullah said that PPP’s main concern was that it had not been taken on board by the government in the decision-making process. “We told the PPP that the PML-N is also facing the same issue. However, the PPP has been assured by the government that from now on it will be consulted,” he added.

Imran averse to dialogue

The issue of talks with the PTI also came under discussion during the meeting with Nawaz Sharif.

“Mr Sharif was told that Imran Khan had been averse to talks with the government and PML-N. Imran Khan has taken the same old position — no talks with politicians — as he only wants to talk with the establishment,” Mr Sanaullah said.

He further said that Imran Khan’s “obstinate” attitude had earlier cost the country and his PTI dearly. “And his stubbornness will further damage his party and the country.”

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

Going dry
Updated 07 Apr, 2025

Going dry

Authorities should refrain from undertaking any water scheme that infringes on rights of any federating unit to avoid more controversies.
Afghan return
07 Apr, 2025

Afghan return

AS expected, the government of Pakistan is moving ahead with its plan to forcibly repatriate Afghan Citizenship Card...
Hurting women
07 Apr, 2025

Hurting women

MONTH after month, the figures of crimes against women in the country indicate that our society is close to...
Not cricket
Updated 06 Apr, 2025

Not cricket

It is high time that the PCB sets things right; even if it demands a complete overhaul of the system.
Balochistan deadlock
Updated 06 Apr, 2025

Balochistan deadlock

Akhtar Mengal’s demands to release women activists should seriously be considered.
Escalating brutality
Updated 06 Apr, 2025

Escalating brutality

The world’s patience is running out. Israel must be held accountable under international law for war crimes.