LAHORE: Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been elected unopposed as the new President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Tuesday during the party’s elections in Lahore. This decision comes after senior party leaders urged Sharif to return to the leadership of the party.
According to PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah, at least 11 nomination papers had been issued for the election of the PML-N president, as per the Election Commission of Pakistan’s schedule. Incumbent PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif stepped down earlier this month, paving the way for his elder brother’s return.
During the PML-N’s Central Working Committee meeting in Lahore on May 18, Shehbaz Sharif expressed his support for Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, stating that “no one could better lead” the party. He also commended the loyalty of PML-N leaders who stood by the party through challenging times. The central council meeting, where the election process was conducted, adhered to the party’s constitution and rules, completing the process by 4:00 pm.
Sanaullah mentioned that Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had the option to submit nomination papers, but his eligibility would be evaluated during the scrutiny process. He clarified that if there had been multiple candidates for the president slot, the election would have proceeded through a show of hands or voting method.
He also highlighted Nawaz Sharif’s significant contributions to the party, noting his efforts to make PML-N a popular choice among the people and a party that resonates with the common worker. Sharif’s unopposed election as president underscores his enduring influence and leadership within the PML-N, as he prepares to steer the party through its next phase.
