Nawaz Sharif’s return as PM sparks speculation amidst PML-N leadership. In the lead-up to the upcoming elections in Pakistan, speculation is rife about the potential return of Nawaz Sharif as Prime Minister for the fourth time, should his party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), emerge victorious.
However, conflicting reports and uncertainties surrounding Sharif’s intentions have left both party insiders and independent observers guessing about the political future of the influential leader.
According to a senior PML-N official and close confidant of Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister has not yet shared any concrete plans regarding another term with the party’s second-tier leadership.
The lack of clarity has led to a prevailing sense of ambiguity among PML-N ranks, with many unaware of any decisions made within the Sharif family.
Despite the internal uncertainty, the PML-N has embraced the slogan of making Nawaz Sharif Prime Minister for the fourth time, positioning it as a form of “sweet revenge of democracy” against those responsible for his removal from office in 2017.
The party appears confident about the first phase of this plan but leaves the second phase — involving Sharif’s potential resignation and the selection of his successor — to the discretion of the seasoned politician.
Independent sources, however, remain skeptical about Sharif’s definitive stance on reclaiming the Prime Minister’s office.
Some speculate whether the narrative surrounding his potential return is strategically crafted to maximize voter appeal for the PML-N in the upcoming elections.
Within the PML-N, discussions are ongoing about possible successors, with Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz emerging as prominent contenders. Shehbaz, known for his experience and collaborative approach with various stakeholders, holds a perceived advantage.
In contrast, Maryam’s relative inexperience and potential unacceptability in certain quarters pose challenges, leading to suggestions that she may assume a significant role in Punjab rather than pursuing the Prime Ministership.
Notably, Nawaz Sharif has undergone a narrative shift, transitioning from a focus on holding accountable those who conspired against his government to an emphasis on revitalizing the country’s economy for the benefit of its citizens.
Observers speculate that Sharif may be acknowledging the changed dynamics within the country over the past six to seven years, favoring a more conciliatory stance in the evolving landscape of what is being referred to as a “hybrid democracy.”
As Nawaz Sharif’s return as PM sparks speculation amidst PML-N leadership, the political fate of Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N remains an evolving story, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting further developments.
