PML-N’s founder and supreme leader, Nawaz Sharif, officially reclaimed the party presidency on Tuesday, uncontested, six years after a court ruling had ousted him from the position.
With a formal grip back on the party’s reins, the former prime minister, instead of outlining a future roadmap, began by addressing past grievances and lamenting injustices he had faced.
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During the party’s general council meeting, where he was elected to the top post, Nawaz targeted his incarcerated rival, PTI chief Imran Khan, reflecting underlying concerns within party ranks.
The party meticulously adhered to election protocols to avoid potential legal challenges, conducting the presidential elections at a Lahore hotel.
Rana Sanaullah, acting as the chief election commissioner, formally declared Nawaz Sharif as the unopposed candidate for the party presidency.
Nawaz’s endorsement as party president received unanimous approval from all participants, effectively reinstating his leadership.
Although he didn’t hold the official title of party president until now, Nawaz had been effectively making all the decisions. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar attributed the decision to hold these elections to Shehbaz Sharif’s resignation on May 11.
He clarified that, according to party rules, a central working committee meeting was convened within seven days, which led to party elections for the post of president on May 28.
Rana Sanaullah announced that ten nomination papers were submitted for Nawaz Sharif, all approved after scrutiny. He then asked attendees to endorse Nawaz Sharif’s appointment as party president, although it seemed unnecessary as no other candidate was contesting.
All party leaders emphasized the importance of adhering to election requirements and formalities.
Despite Nawaz Sharif’s return as party president offering PML-N a tactical advantage, as the outgoing president held the position of incumbent PM, reinstating him formally allows for decisions to be run by him, thus alleviating some of the PM’s responsibilities.
In his typical manner of criticizing Imran Khan, Sharif reflected on his removal and extolled the services and sacrifices of former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbassi and Miftah Ismail.
He also acknowledged efforts by some to drive a wedge between him and his brother Shehbaz Sharif, praising his sibling for unwavering support despite facing hardships.
Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s missed opportunities due to interruptions in governance and emphasized his government’s achievements, lamenting their reversal by a few individuals.
He criticized his disqualification for not taking a salary from his son and challenged Imran Khan to refute allegations of being manipulated by the establishment to overthrow his government.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused Imran Khan of tarnishing the reputations of armed forces families and alleged partiality within the judiciary favoring Khan.
Shehbaz asserted that Khan had allegedly embezzled funds and amassed wealth, contrasting PML-N’s commitment to Pakistan’s prosperity against Khan’s actions.
