PML-N only party to have finalised arrangements

High-level meeting finalises matters related to elections, legal and media cells

LAHORE: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Tuesday emerged as the only political party to have finalised arrangements for the upcoming general elections 2018.

A high-level consultative meeting, presided over by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was held at Jati Umrah. It was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, MNA Hamza Shehbaz and other senior party leaders.

The decisions taken during the meeting would be presented before the Central Working Committee (CWC) for approval. The party is expected to call a CWC session next week, said PML-N leader Pervaiz Rashid.



He said arrangements for previous general elections were made by former finance minister Ishaq Dar, but due to his absence this year, matters were being finalised by the senior party leadership.

He said that matters related to elections, legal and media cells were finalised.

Several systems need to be devised before our election office is activated at 180 H Model Town, he added.

“Duties have been assigned to look after the respective cells,” he said, adding that all these matters would be taken up at the CWC meeting for final approval.

He also categorically rejected rumours surrounding his selection for Senate chairman’s slot by the party leadership, but confirmed that Shehbaz Sharif was PML-N’s candidate for the PM’s slot.



Talking to media-persons outside Jati Umra, Federal Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique said that the meeting was part of a consultation process for general elections 2018.

He said, “Party parliamentary boards have to be formed along with formation of several cells.”

To a question regarding the role of Maryam and Hamza in the upcoming elections, he replied, “Hamza has been greatly active in Punjab to strengthen party’s political roots, while Maryam also has been very active as her role speaks for itself.”

To a question, he denied that Sharif was against judiciary and said, “We have the right to object to the court’s decisions.”