The senior leadership of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) convened in Murree to discuss the political roadmap for the coming months, particularly focusing on the upcoming by-elections, local government polls in Punjab, and the performance of both federal and provincial governments. The high-level meeting took place at PML-N President Nawaz Sharif’s residence and included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and other prominent figures such as Rana Sanaullah, Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Asif, and Khawaja Saad Rafique.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, PML-N Punjab President and PM’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah confirmed that discussions were held on finalizing candidates for the by-elections once the official schedule is announced. He emphasized the importance of conducting overdue local government elections and highlighted the need to amend existing laws on delimitations before the schedule is finalized.
PTI Boycott Questioned Amid Election Strategy Talks
The backdrop of this political huddle is the disqualification of twelve PTI lawmakers—eight from the National Assembly and four from the Punjab Assembly—by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) due to convictions related to the May 9, 2023 incidents. In response, PTI founder Imran Khan announced a boycott of the by-polls, except for the NA-129 seat in Lahore, where Hammad Azhar, son of the late Mian Azhar, is expected to contest.
Despite PTI’s stated boycott, Rana Sanaullah clarified that the by-polls were included in the Murree discussions because the PML-N has intelligence suggesting PTI may still field candidates covertly. He reiterated that PML-N will prepare for all electoral scenarios and mobilize its grassroots network once election schedules are confirmed.
Internal Harmony and Government’s Firm Warning on August 14
The meeting also addressed media speculation about tensions between CM Maryam Nawaz and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over the arrest of a Sialkot bureaucrat. Dismissing any rift, Sanaullah said there was no issue between the two leaders. Khawaja Asif also posted a video on social media reiterating his respect for Maryam Nawaz, calling her “like a daughter” and expressing full support for her leadership.
Separately, the Punjab government issued a strong warning to PTI against staging a protest on August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day. Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari condemned PTI’s alleged plans to create unrest, accusing the party of consistently undermining national events. She declared that any attempt to disrupt the day’s celebrations, which will also honor the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, would be met with legal consequences.
“PTI thrives on chaos and has no respect for national unity,” Bokhari stated, urging the opposition to act responsibly and abandon its protest plans.
