PML-N stalwart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday said that Maryam, daughter of the party supremo Nawaz Sharif, needs “space”, after assuming her new role as the senior vice-president.
“I have stepped down from my post but I stand by the party and will always be a part of it,” he told media persons in Islamabad today.
She “needs space”, Abbasi said, suggesting that the previous hierarchy would’ve given rise to a difference of opinion, , which, he said, wasn’t “suitable for anyone.”
On Wednesday [Feb 1], the senior party leader said it wasn’t appropriate for him to share the same party rank once Maryam was elevated to the post.
It was reported earlier that the top leadership was uneasy at the new role granted to Nawaz Sharif’s daughter.
On the same day, senior PMLN leader Muhammad Zubair confirmed Abbasi’s resignation from the role.
“Yes, he has resigned as the senior vice president of the party,” Zubair had said when asked about the reports surrounding the resignation.
He had said that the decision didn’t affect Abbasi’s standing as a political leader of vast experience and insight. “The party needs him and he is still a part of it,” he maintained.
Also read: Cherish People’s Support More Than Designations: Maryam Nawaz
The news about the aforesaid resignation was reported earlier. Abbasi, according to the report, had told Nawaz Sharif three years back that it would be hard for him to work with Maryam if she was elevated to the rank.
He had clarified that he would remain a part of the PMLN until his last breath unless the party decided to part ways with him. In that case, I’ll prefer going home, he added.
He had clarified that he would remain a part of the PMLN until his last breath unless the party decided to part ways with him. In that case, I’ll prefer going home, he added.
The former premier had also said that for now, he would be working on his “Reimagining Pakistan” forum for the betterment of the country. He reiterated that the forum was not a political party.
It was reported earlier that the top leadership was uneasy at the new role granted to Nawaz Sharif’s daughter.
According to a notification issued at the time, she became the second-most leader of the party after Shehbaz Sharif, party president and the incumbent prime minister of the country.
Sources said at the time that the top cadre wasn’t taken into confidence on the aforesaid decision, and that several members were uneasy about it.
Party needs to organise and reinvent itself as a relevant party for the newer generations of conservative voters. Last 9 months have shown that old timers are unable to woe the new voters.
SKA and other stalwarts know they would only have a chance if someone can turn around the public vote in its favour. Hence the space for MNS. She is younger, vocal and represents the brand.
If voters can identify with her the whole conservative movement can follow behind her and she will need all the senior leadership to steer the ship. So it’s all a thought out plan.