PML-N throws weight behind Nawaz for PM slot

Shehbaz says tweaks to Election Act pave way for Nawaz's reentry into politics

ISLAMABAD:

Days after it confirmed his return next month, the PML-N on Saturday in a bold move officially nominated party supremo Nawaz Sharif as its candidate for the prime ministerial position in the upcoming general elections.

The decision, made during a press briefing at the Prime Minister's House on Saturday, came after the party confirmed the former premier’s return to Pakistan next month.

Moreover, the PML-N expressed optimism that the recent decision by the Supreme Court to strike down the review of judgments law would not impede Nawaz’s comeback. Citing amendments made to the Election Act, the party stated that the exiled leader’s disqualification has expired, thus paving the way for his reentry into politics.

The decision was made during a press briefing held at the Prime Minister's House, led by the party president Shehbaz Sharif.

The outgoing premier defended his government's decisions and acknowledged the challenges they faced but highlighted that actions were necessary to save the state. He said that the government had to take inevitable tough decisions as there was no other option.

When questioned about his relationship with the establishment, he expressed pride in his good ties and denied any strained relations, openly admitting he indeed has been a darling of the establishment for thirty years.

He further emphasised that he has always maintained a positive relationship with the establishment and dismissed criticism related to praising the army chief during project inaugurations.

“I was always an apple of the establishment’s eyes for thirty years; I am proud that I have always had a good relationship with the establishment. When did I deny that?”

Regarding the questions surrounding his praise for the army chief, he wondered what was wrong in doing so.

Touching upon his government's tax policies, he acknowledged the burden on the poor but recalled the implementation of a "super tax" targeting the rich.

While the policy aimed to recover Rs26 billion from the previous financial year, he expressed regret over the failure to collect the intended amount.

Official Secrets Act

Addressing queries related to the Official Secrets Act, Shehbaz Sharif explained that concerns arose following the killing of an ISI officer, which necessitated a closer examination of identity-related issues. He further stated that the act was enacted due to instances of personnel from sensitive institutions being exposed.

It is noteworthy that the bill was quietly approved by the National Assembly earlier this month, granting blanket powers to intelligence agencies, which will be able to raid and detain any citizen, even under suspicion of them breaching the law.

The PML-N's decision to nominate Nawaz as the candidate follows the passing of the Elections (Amendment) Act 2023 in June, which grants the ECP the authority to set the election date and limits lawmakers' disqualification period to five years retrospectively.

This legislation is seen as benefiting both Nawaz Sharif and Jahangir Khan Tareen of the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP), who were previously disqualified for life under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution.

However, analysts have noted that a potential setback has arisen with the Supreme Court's recent decision to strike down the Supreme Court (Review of Judgements and Orders) Act 2023, which expands the scope of review petitions.

In a recent interview, Shehbaz confirmed the elder Sharif’s plans to return to Pakistan in September and face pending court cases. He expressed his intention to visit London after the caretaker government is formed to discuss his return plan with his brother.

Furthermore, it was confirmed that if the PML-N secures victory in the upcoming elections, Nawaz Sharif will lead the party's election campaign and become prime minister for the fourth time.

Since his conviction in graft cases by an accountability court prior to the 2018 general elections, Nawaz Sharif sought medical treatment in London in 2019 and has been residing there since.

His visit to Dubai last month, where he met Pakistani politicians, sparked a debate in the media about his potential return to Pakistan.

Nawaz Sharif is currently convicted in the Al-Azizia and Avenfield Apartment references filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) following the Panama Papers case.

Appeals for these cases are still pending in the relevant courts.