LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with his elder brother and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif in Lahore on Sunday to deliberate on key national and international developments, party insiders confirmed.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also participated in the meeting, where discussions covered several major issues — including Pakistan’s ongoing talks with Afghanistan, the crackdown on Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), and preparations for the upcoming local government elections in Punjab.
Sources said PM Shehbaz briefed Nawaz Sharif on recent diplomatic engagements with Afghanistan. In response, the former prime minister reaffirmed a firm stance on national sovereignty, declaring:
“No one will be allowed to look at Pakistan with malicious intent. Pakistan is our red line, and the sons of this nation are defending their motherland without regard for their own lives.”
The meeting also focused on crafting an electoral strategy for the local government polls, which the Election Commission of Pakistan has scheduled for December after multiple delays.
Under the current framework, the first phase of polls will be conducted on a party-less basis, with voters electing 9-member panels in each union council. Successful candidates will then have 30 days to align with a political party. The leadership discussed the possibility of launching the second phase in selected districts where the PML-N holds significant influence.
It was decided to consult additional party leaders in identifying target districts for the next round of elections to maximize party success.
Separate Briefing on Security, Islamabad Projects
In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held discussions with Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi. According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, the minister provided an update on the country’s law and order situation and briefed the premier on ongoing development projects in the federal capital.
