In a recent meeting of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) general council, the party made significant leadership changes, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif being appointed as the party’s president and Maryam Nawaz, daughter of party supremo Nawaz Sharif, chosen as the senior vice president. The decision, along with the selection of other key office bearers, including Ahsan Iqbal as secretary general, Marriyum Aurangzeb as secretary of information, Ataullah Tarar as deputy secretary, and Ishaq Dar as secretary of finance and overseas affairs, signals a potential shift in the party’s direction.
The PML-N, one of the major political parties in Pakistan, made the decision during a meeting held on Friday. This move comes as the party aims to reorganize its leadership and strengthen its position ahead of the upcoming general elections. By appointing Shehbaz Sharif as the president, the party aims to leverage his experience as a seasoned politician and former chief minister of Punjab to revitalize the party’s standing among the electorate.
Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of Nawaz Sharif, has been an influential figure within the PML-N for many years. Known for his administrative skills and development-oriented approach, Shehbaz has played a crucial role in shaping the party’s policies and governing Punjab, the largest province of Pakistan. His elevation to the position of president reflects the party’s confidence in his leadership abilities and his potential to rally support for the PML-N.
Maryam Nawaz’s appointment as senior vice president further underlines the party’s commitment to dynastic politics. As the daughter of Nawaz Sharif, a prominent political figure in Pakistan, Maryam has been actively involved in the party’s activities and has emerged as a vocal critic of the current government. Her promotion to the senior vice presidency positions her as a key decision-maker within the PML-N and signals the party’s intention to maintain its focus on the Sharif family’s influence in Pakistani politics.
The selection of Ahsan Iqbal as the secretary general highlights the party’s emphasis on organizational management and strategy. A seasoned politician and former federal minister, Iqbal brings his experience and expertise to the position, where he will be responsible for coordinating the party’s activities, shaping its policies, and ensuring effective communication with party members and the public.
Marriyum Aurangzeb’s appointment as the secretary of information indicates the party’s recognition of the importance of media management and communication in contemporary politics. Aurangzeb, a prominent PML-N spokesperson, will be tasked with articulating the party’s positions, disseminating information, and engaging with the media to shape public opinion.
The appointments of Ataullah Tarar as deputy secretary and Ishaq Dar as the secretary of finance and overseas affairs further strengthen the party’s leadership team. Tarar, known for his organizational skills, will provide support to the party’s general administration, while Dar, a former finance minister, will bring his expertise to the crucial role of managing the party’s financial affairs and engaging with the overseas Pakistani community.
The PML-N’s decision to restructure its leadership and assign key positions to experienced politicians aims to reinvigorate the party’s image and consolidate its support base. With the upcoming general elections on the horizon, the PML-N seeks to position itself as a viable alternative to the ruling party and present a cohesive leadership that can address the challenges facing Pakistan.