In her father’s absence and during her uncle’s prolonged incarceration, Maryam Nawaz took the reins of the PML(N) and guided the party, with the help of senior leaders, through a tumultuous political environment. Without the PML(N), the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), which was formed during this time, would not have had the legitimacy or numbers to take the government head-on through well attended rallies. Several key by-elections were held as well and Ms Nawaz campaigned for her party’s candidates with conviction resulting in meaningful successes, most notably in PK-63 where the PML(N) beat the PTI in its backyard of Nowshera. Throughout this, she maintained, independently and collectively with the PDM, an anti-establishment narrative with the blessings and instructions of her father Mian Nawaz Sharif, who remains in self-exile in London with no plans of returning. Following his release from jail, however, Shehbaz Sharif has emerged as the new face of the party and is pushing for a narrative that is divergent from his elder brother’s, one of reconciliation rather than confrontation with state institutions.
These divergent party lines have resulted in grouping within the party, something that does not bode well for the future of the PML(N) if allowed to continue for too long. On one side is the old cadre led by Shehbaz Sharif, with the very recent addition of estranged party leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, which believes in working with the establishment to maintain cordial relations so that political, administrative and legal challenges remain at a minimum. The other side backs Mian Nawaz Sharif’s stance, and wants to remain on a collision course with the powers-that-be, whose interference in political matters must be restricted. The PML(N)’s vote bank relies heavily on Nawaz Sharif’s leadership role in the party, but his indefinite absence from the country is creating uncertainty in party ranks. Many are now questioning the fairness of this arrangement where the leadership is dictating a dangerous and largely ineffective party line without having to face the consequences on account of not being in the country to face arrest. With Maryam Nawaz now limiting her political activity to infrequent reserved statements, perhaps there is a realization of what is at risk. However, a complete reconciliation of the two party narratives is necessary to mend the cracks that have already developed.
