On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif resigned as the president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
This change follows Rana Sanaullah, PML-N Punjab chapter President, announcing that Nawaz Sharif, a three-time former prime minister, will assume the party’s leadership.
A central committee meeting of the PML-N is scheduled for May 18 at 11:30 am in Lahore, convened as per clause 15 of the party constitution. PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal dispatched notices regarding the meeting.
Nawaz Sharif resigned as prime minister in 2017 after the Supreme Court disqualified him from public office for life due to undeclared income. Subsequently, in February 2018, the court also barred him from serving as PML-N president, citing that anyone disqualified under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution cannot lead a political party.
After four years in self-imposed exile in London, Nawaz returned to Pakistan last October. A significant shift occurred on January 8, 2024, when the Supreme Court overturned lifetime election bans for individuals with criminal convictions, clearing Nawaz’s path for a potential fourth term in office.
On May 7, 2024, a key PML-N meeting led by Nawaz deliberated pivotal decisions for the upcoming general council meeting on May 11, 2024. During this meeting, it was resolved to hold elections for the party president, nominating Nawaz for the position and Khawaja Saad Rafique as secretary general. This resolution will be formally presented at the general council meeting.
The PML-N Punjab has already unanimously endorsed Nawaz as the party president. Additionally, it was decided to separate governmental and organizational roles to enhance the party’s public engagement and organization.
