Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, may take the reins of the party once she makes the much-awaited return to the country this month, it emerged on Friday.
In view of the fact that the Election Commission has asked PML-N to conduct intra-party elections within two months, it is believed that Maryam might as well be made the party’s president, reports suggest.
The PML-N leader would work on re-organising the party with a view to prepare it for welcoming Nawaz Sharif, who is expected to land in the country in March to face the ongoing court cases.
Once she is in the country, Maryam may launch a campaign against the ‘conspirers’ who colluded to oust the party from power in 2018, which followed arch-rival PTI’s term.
A day earlier (Jan 19), Captain (retd) Safdar announced Maryam Nawaz’ return to the country on January 29.
The party stalwart, also a popular leader among the masses, was given the senior vice president and chief organiser portfolio on Jan 4.
PML-N sources said that the party was not taken into confidence on the said decision and that several members of the top cadre were uneasy about it.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior leader termed the decision non-democratic, saying it will only result in more control of the family on the party.
Another senior leader criticised the earlier appointment of PM Shehbaz’ son Hamza Shehbaz as Punjab’s chief minister, while Khawaja Saad Rafique and Malik Ahmed Khan were suitable candidates for the role.
On the other hand, former premier Imran Khan thinks that the incumbent, PMLN-led government will be forced to hold elections in April this year.
He made the remarks when asked whether the National Assembly will complete its tenure and elections will be held in Oct this year.
Though Imran didn’t directly deny a possibility of talks with the current regime on the current economic situation, he, between the lines, refused the prospects of a dialogue. “Free and fair elections are the only solution [to the current economic woes],” he was quoted as saying.
There are many examples of women who have led parties such as Benazir Bhutto, Fatima Jinnah and many others.
She is articulate, younger generation and formidable constitution and very much represents the brand. So why not. In her case she earned it. I think most PMLN workers already identify with her. She would be helped if NS officially announced full retirement as she succeeds.