Ex-Sindh governor Zubair parts ways with PML-N

Senior politician says currently he has no intention of joining another political party

KARACHI:

Former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair, who was seen as a close confidante of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, parted ways with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Friday, ending a decades long association with the ruling party.

Announcing his resignation from the party, Zubair did not reveal his future plans, but stated that he did not intend to join the new Awam Party of former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi – another political heavyweight to quit the PML-N in recent months.

“I had reservations regarding Muslim League [PML-N] for a long time and I had made it clear to the party leadership a long time ago,” Zubair said in a statement. “That is why I separate myself from the party,” he added.

Explaining the reasons, he pointed to his differences with the party on various issues, including no-confidence motion against former prime minister Imran Khan in February 2022, and the performance of 16-month coalition government.

“The attitude of the party has changed,” he said. “For now, I have not yet decided to join any other party. I will decide about the political future after consulting friends and supporters, he said, adding that he did not intend to join the Awam Party.

Zubair previously served as the spokesperson for both PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. His other positions included chairman of the Privatisation Commission and later the Board of Investment (BoI).

Zubair, brother of former planning minister Asad Umar, has been critical of the incumbent government, formed after the February 8 general elections. Recently, he expressed dissatisfaction with the party leadership.

Speculations have been rife in recent months that disgruntled PML-N leaders Miftah Ismael, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokar were forming a new political party.

Rumour also had it that Zubair would be another PML-N stalwart to join their ranks. Although the former governor did not say which political side he will choose next, he indicated that he would continue politics. “Politicians cannot remain silent for long.”