Unseen Power – Siddiqui recalled his meetings with Nawaz before the general elections held on 08 February 2024 & stated that he was under the impression that Nawaz himself did not aspire to become Prime Minister again. “I was present at the meeting where Nawaz Sharif announced that the post of prime minister would be given to Shehbaz Sharif. Even if Nawaz had at least 1% desire to become PM, is there any power that can stop him from becoming PM?
The PML-N, which had built its election campaign around the return of Nawaz Sharif as a savior capable of addressing the country’s challenges and leading it towards prosperity, finally nominated Shehbaz Sharif as its prime ministerial candidate after the general elections. Many saw this move as a reflection of Nawaz’s reluctance to lead a potentially weak coalition government amid the country’s prevailing economic crisis.
PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui on Friday addressed speculation over Nawaz Sharif’s possible return to the Prime Minister’s House. He dismissed the idea that an undisclosed force or Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hampered Nawaz’s aspirations for a fourth term.
Following Nawaz’s return from self-imposed exile, Shehbaz took over as chief minister for the second time, nominated by the party after Nawaz opted out of the race. The move signaled Nawaz’s apparent reluctance to lead a potentially fragile coalition government amid economic challenges.
Siddiqui recalled his interactions with Nawaz before the 2024 general elections and pointed out a lack of enthusiasm on Nawaz’s part to resume the Prime Minister’s Office. He refuted media claims about Nawaz’s impatience for the prime ministership, emphasizing that Nawaz himself announced the decision to hand over the reins to Shehbaz.Unseen Power
Unseen Power Irfan Siddiqui
Senator Siddiqui clarified that if Nawaz Sharif is not in the prime minister’s chair, it does not imply that he is not a PML-N or Nawaz Sharif’s government “If Nawaz Sharif is not in the prime minister’s chair, is he not the PML- N? Or Nawaz Sharif’s government? It is the PML-N and the Nawaz Sharif government.
Senator Siddiqui addressed perceptions within the party, stating 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 position of prime minister.Unseen Power
Siddiqui highlighted discussions within the PML-N over the separation of political and government roles, suggesting a possible return of Nawaz to the party presidency. Acknowledging Shehbaz’s focus on economic recovery as chief minister, Siddiqui indicated that a decision on the party presidency would be taken in due course.Unseen Power
He clarified that there was no internal conspiracy against Nawaz within the party, and emphasized that it would only qualify as such if Nawaz had actively sought power and failed. Despite not holding a government position, Nawaz continues to offer insights on various issues, including economic recovery efforts.