Following Nawaz Sharif’s nomination of his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif for the prime minister position and his daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the Punjab chief minister role on Tuesday night, a wave of strong emotions swept through PMLN supporters on social media, encompassing sorrow, shame, and outright dejection.
Party spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb conveyed Nawaz Sharif’s decision to nominate Shehbaz Sharif for the top position, shared through a post on social media platform X. While the immediate reasons behind Nawaz Sharif’s choice to forgo the possibility of becoming prime minister for the fourth time remained unclear, reports suggested that PPP’s support for the PMLN-led government in the center was contingent upon Shehbaz Sharif assuming the role of prime minister. Some sources claimed Nawaz Sharif was reluctant to lead a weak ruling coalition, particularly in the face of formidable economic challenges.
Many PMLN loyalists were taken aback by the development, viewing it as an injustice to Nawaz Sharif. Expressing regret, PMLN stalwart Mian Javed Latif stated, “We are ashamed that we could not do justice to your narrative.” He acknowledged the indebtedness to Nawaz Sharif for his service and loyalty to the nation.
Senator Afnanullah praised Nawaz Sharif for his historic decision to refuse the premiership, describing it as unprecedented in Pakistan’s history. However, some PMLN supporters expressed their disillusionment by disassociating themselves from the party after learning that Nawaz Sharif was not in the running.
On social media, PMLN’s official X handles posted multiple messages featuring Nawaz Sharif’s photos, emphasizing him as the “only leader” who served the Pakistani nation. Meanwhile, some TV anchors questioned the party’s claims about Nawaz Sharif becoming the prime minister, prompting discussions about the party’s strategy and public perception.
In the midst of these developments, TV host Kamran Khan alleged that PMLN leadership, including Maryam Nawaz, was aware in advance that Shehbaz Sharif would lead a coalition government after the election. He suggested that the party orchestrated a drama to create a false impression that Nawaz Sharif was set to become the prime minister.
