Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is set to become the president of his party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) once again today, after a hiatus of more than six years.
Party sources indicated that Nawaz would be elected through a rescheduled party election, initially planned for the second week of May, now set for May 28, coinciding with Youm-e-Takbir. This day commemorates Pakistan’s response to India’s nuclear tests in 1998, during Nawaz’s previous term as prime minister.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced May 28, 2024, as a public holiday via a notification on Monday.
Nawaz Sharif lost both his positions as prime minister and party president on July 28, 2017, following the Panama Papers ruling. Since then, the PML-N has built a narrative around the phrase “Mujhy Kyun Nikala” (Why was I removed?).
At a news conference on Monday, PML-N Chief Election Commissioner Rana Sanaullah stated that party leaders unanimously agreed that Nawaz should lead the party. He noted that Shehbaz had resigned as party president but was permitted by the Central Working Committee to continue his duties until a new leader was elected.
According to the party constitution, the election commission, appointed by the Central Working Committee, issued the election timetable. Sanaullah explained that nomination papers would be accepted from 10 am to 12 pm, examined at 1 pm, with the final list ready by 3 pm.
The PML-N central council meeting will convene at 4 pm to finalize the election.
Sanaullah highlighted that each party has its own election procedures, mentioning that Jamaat-e-Islami’s Shura elects its leader without nomination papers, a practice he respects.
He praised Nawaz’s leadership in making Pakistan a nuclear power and transforming PML-N into a party for the average citizen. Nawaz has always been involved in significant party decisions and will continue to be so.
He emphasized that other party positions should be filled by different members, acknowledging Shehbaz’s key role in economic restoration. He also mentioned that Shahid Khaqan Abbasi could submit his candidature, which would be scrutinized for eligibility.
Sanaullah stressed that the PML-N is a party of dialogue, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the government and the opposition. He expressed hope that PTI’s founder would avoid a fate similar to Mujeebur Rahman’s and underscored the necessity of dialogue.
He reassured that Nawaz Sharif harbors no animosity and remains actively involved in party’s politics while key decisions in the federal and Punjab governments are made with Nawaz’s consultation and approval. Nawaz’s public statements are expected to become more frequent over time.
If no other candidate submits nomination papers, Nawaz will be elected unopposed; otherwise, the election will be decided by a show of hands.
Party sources indicated that the PML-N meeting would also discuss various resolutions to be presented to the general council alongside the election of the party president.
