Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) may be in the process of a change in leadership at the helm of affairs, but many in the party assert that current supremo Nawaz Sharif should not hand over the reins just yet. It is likely that the party torch will be passed on to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz from her father. Many in the party believe that though this change was inevitable, at present the party requires the active leadership of the "quaid" himself.
Several political pundits in the country are of the view that Nawaz Sharif resuming the party leadership was only to pass the reins to his daughter, an opinion that many within the PML-N also share, as they believe that Mian Nawaz Sharif seems to have lost his ambition to lead the party, and only wants to ensure smooth transition.
A party source claimed that at this juncture, the party needs Nawaz Sharif to resume an active role to ensure the party remains united.
He said that there was a growing chasm between the Centre and Punjab, as previously when Nawaz Sharif was the premier, he used to hold meetings in Punjab alongside the then chief minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The source said the Central party decision took precedence over the party in Punjab, but now it seems to be the other way round.
He said that the Sharif family had this long standing tradition of holding lunches together at Jati Umrah to discuss party affairs. He said that all in the party were fully behind Maryam Nawaz, but at this stage the PML-N desperately wanted Nawaz Sharif to step up and steer his political force out of an oncoming mega crisis.
He said Nawaz Sharif, at this time, should worry less about transition as his brother, the incumbent prime minister, the only potential contender to the throne, is a faithful ally, more loyal to Nawaz Sharif than Nawaz Sharif himself.
He said establishment support will not last forever, and once that wanes away, the party has no fall back. He said the party has no narrative to revert to. He said no one can deny Shehbaz Sharif's administrative skills but at this point in time, the party needs a plan to win back party supporters. Achieving milestones, like lowering inflation, stabilising the economy, and steering the country out of bankruptcy, will not help the party win back support. He said that PML-N needs politically prudent initiatives, like going after the privileged class, and cutting down civil servant perks.
He said other than Nawaz Sharif, another important Sharif who has lost his political ambition is Hamza Shehbaz. He said that Hamza losing his CMship the second time has left everything in the hands of fate. He said Hamza's loyalists initially stood by him and even tried to jolt him out of this mode but they too have reconciled with the fact that Hamza has no desire to compete with Maryam. He said Hamza-Maryam political competition would have benefited the party in spades, but Hamza giving up has practically given a walk over to Maryam Nawaz. He said Hamza was no small fry by any means, and if he tried, he could have remained a power centre in Punjab. He said that though the reality remains that Hamza got to know of his place during Kalsoom Nawaz's elections, when he was sidelined by Maryam Nawaz.
He said that the party still has time to do course correction, as there was no imminent threat to the government. He said that these talks pose no threat to the government. He said that every leader, no matter how senior, is mentally ready to fall in line, even if someone half their age is brought at the helm.
Another senior leader, talking to The Express Tribune, said that Maryam Nawaz, is incredibly talented but she would not be able to handle party affairs under the existing circumstances. He said the party's current position was not because of the resistance she had put up, but due to Shehbaz Sharif's smart moves. He said that it seems that Maryam too was under the illusion that her campaign had brought PML-N back in power but that was furthest from the truth. He said it would be unfair for Maryam to be put in such a difficult spot. He said that Maryam has the potential to the lead the party, and she should be made party head when she is fully prepared so she does not end up like Bilawal, who despite becoming party chairman, still seems to be on training.
Senior Party leader Javed Latif said that Nawaz Sharif will become active soon to reinvigorate the party's ranks and files. When asked to define what activities are being planned, he said that there was no plan as such, but since he is the leadership, so whenever the party will plan something, he would lead it. He said that it was yet to be seen who is handed over party the reins by Mian Nawaz Sharif and that no one can deny the inevitability of change, though they would hope and pray, that he continues to lead the party.
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