ISLAMABAD: PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui on Friday, addressed speculations surrounding Nawaz Sharif’s potential return to the Prime Minister’s House. He dismissed the notion that either an undisclosed force or Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hindered Nawaz’s fourth-term aspirations.
Siddiqui recalled his interactions with Nawaz before the 2024 general elections, noting a lack of eagerness on Nawaz’s part to reassume the PM Office. He refuted media claims of Nawaz’s impatience for the premiership, emphasizing that Nawaz himself announced the decision to pass the mantle to Shehbaz.
Following Nawaz’s return from a self-imposed exile, Shehbaz assumed the prime ministership for the second time, nominated by the party after Nawaz opted out of contention. This move signaled Nawaz’s apparent reluctance to lead a potentially fragile coalition government amidst economic challenges.
Senator Siddiqui addressed perceptions within the party, indicating that while some members anticipated Nawaz’s return to power with a two-thirds majority, the essence of governance remained with the PML-N regardless of who held the premiership.
He clarified that there was no internal conspiracy against Nawaz within the party, emphasizing that it would only qualify as such if Nawaz had actively sought power and failed. Despite not holding governmental office, Nawaz continues to offer insights on various matters, including economic recovery efforts.
Siddiqui highlighted discussions within the PML-N about separating political and governmental roles, suggesting a potential return of Nawaz to the party’s presidency. Acknowledging Shehbaz’s focus on economic recovery as PM, Siddiqui indicated that a decision regarding the party’s presidency would be made in due time.
Reflecting on the PML-N-led government’s economic challenges upon assuming power, Siddiqui praised Shehbaz’s efforts in preventing economic collapse amidst adversity.
