After disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court, the biggest challenge for him is to keep the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) intact. Political analysts believe that after disqualification of Nawaz Sharif by the apex court, he (Nawaz) cannot retain the office of the PML-N head. The PML-N would have to choose two strong persons, one to lead the party and the other to head the PML-N government, they said.
Sources in the PML-N said, "The party is going to initiate the process of consultation to choose the next leader of the House." Nawaz Sharif will chair these meetings and it is expected that the name for next PM would be decided within 24 hours. In this regard, the PML-N parliamentary party will hold meeting in the Punjab House today. The PML-N leadership has already held consultations with allies of the PML-N, the sources added.
Different names are under consideration for the new PM but final decision would be taken after due consultation and nothing final could be said, a PML-N MNA said seeking anonymity.
Maryam Nawaz took to Twitter claiming that her father will return with 'greater force and support'. She also claimed, "The PML-N stands united, more resolute and unfazed. That's also unprecedented. Another elected prime minister sent home, but only to see him return with greater force and support and soonest Insha'Allah. Stay strong PMLN. Today will pave the way for Nawaz Sharif's resounding victory in 2018. He will be unstoppable. Insha'Allah. Rok sakte ho to rok lo [stop him if you can]."
On the other hand, the PML-N activists took to streets in Lahore to express solidarity with party leadership after the decision of Supreme Court. The PML-N Lahore-based provincial ministers including Bilal Yasin, Khawaja Salman Rafique, Mian Mujtaba Shuja Ur Rehman, Zaeem Qadri, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Mohammad Pervaiz Malik and MPAs held small protests in their respective constituencies against the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif. In these protests, the PML-N chanted slogans against Imran Khan.
Due to these protests, traffic at different locations including Do Morya Pul, Davis Road, Mughalpura, Mozang, Regal Chowk and Gowalmandi remained blocked which created hurdles in smooth flow of vehicles.
The attendance of PML-N activists in these protests was not so encouraging given the stronghold of party in the provincial metropolis. PML-N woman MPA Farzana Butt staged a sit-in near the Lahore Press Club along with dozens of workers. They chanted slogans in favour of Nawaz Sharif.
Farzana Butt said the PML-N is united under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif who would fight back with majority. Meanwhile, hundreds of officials who were deployed at Jati Umra, which had the status of a PM House, remained confused and awaited orders from the high-ups. Despite disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, the staff remained posted at Jati Umra till filing of this report.
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