PML-N leaders saw Nawaz's decision coming

As PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s decision to step into the shadows left many outside the party camp in disbelief, insiders on Wednesday revealed that some senior party members had foreseen the development long before the elections, though their reasons were different from the ones now being presented.

As early as February 10, whispers within PML-N hinted at Shehbaz Sharif emerging as the party's choice for the prime ministerial position.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, senior PML-N leaders disclosed this decision, citing concerns over Nawaz Sharif's nomination.

One such leader, on the following day, in light of the PPP's unannounced desire to have their prime minister, stated that PML-N was prepared to reassess Nawaz’s candidacy.

If any objections were raised, the leader mentioned that the party would put forward the younger Sharif for the position, as there was a good working relationship between him and the PPP.

When asked whether the PPP, according to the information, was interested in having their own prime minister and not insisting on one over the other, he said that they were cognizant of the genuine concerns. This awareness is the reason Shehbaz Sharif continues to be considered an acceptable choice, he added.

Another PML-N leader, who before the elections, stated that Shehbaz Sharif would serve a second term as premier due to his comfort level with the establishment, mentioned that, contrary to his initial understanding, the decision to step back wasn’t in Nawaz Sharif’s court, as such.

Read also: Nawaz not bowing out of politics: Maryam

He indicated that it was akin to a writing-on-the-wall scenario.

The PML-N winning far fewer seats than expected, coupled with the added blow of Nawaz losing one seat and winning the other in a controversial manner, likely made the decision to step back quite straightforward for him.

He claimed that this outcome was deliberately crafted to facilitate an uncomplicated path for Shehbaz Sharif.

He mentioned that after the elections, Nawaz Sharif wasn't engaged in any major talks. Shehbaz Sharif met with PPP leadership twice in Lahore, and on both occasions, Nawaz was absent from the meetings.

However, he pointed out a potential silver lining for Nawaz Sharif, noting that the current setup appears quite fragile and may not last its full term. In this coalition, Shehbaz Sharif's responsibility is to handle the operational aspects, while Nawaz Sharif can freely take popular stances as he pleases.

The PML-N leader also noted that it wouldn't have been a prudent decision for Nawaz Sharif to become the prime minister in an unpredictable coalition arrangement.

Read: Shehbaz should be PM, ‘else dark horse will emerge’

Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif's close associates took to X, formerly Twitter, expressing betrayal and urging the nation to reflect on its treatment of him.

It is pertinent to mention that PML-N had campaigned on the promise of Nawaz Sharif leading the country out of the plethora of crises it faced from the forefront.

Maryam Nawaz, PML-N's candidate for CM Punjab, took to X, to counter the assertions that Nawaz Sharif had withdrawn from politics. She stated that if the refusal of the PM’s portfolio is interpreted as Nawaz’s stepping back from politics, then such an interpretation was incorrect.

Instead, she added, the former premier would continue his vagarious politics for the next five years and play a role in both federal and Punjab governments.

She claimed that in all three terms, Nawaz Sharif secured a clear majority, consistently maintaining his stance of not joining any coalition government during his election speeches. Those familiar with Nawaz Sharif’s temperament were aware of his principled stand, the PML-N’s senior vice president said.

She emphasised that she and Shehbaz Sharif considered themselves as Nawaz Sharif’s dedicated soldiers.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, Maryam Nawaz announced on her X that six more independent candidates have joined PML-N in Punjab to strengthen and consolidate their position.