Nawaz Sharif's Leadership in Punjab Government Meetings Raises Questions

Nawaz Sharif, the prominent figure in PML-N leadership, has recently emerged from the shadows, taking charge of three administrative meetings within the Punjab government. Despite lacking any official position within the provincial or federal government, his presence at these meetings, led by his daughter Maryam Nawaz, has sparked curiosity and speculation.

Reports from the Dawn newspaper indicate that the three-time former premier convened these sessions to address various infrastructure projects and societal concerns. Among the topics discussed were plans for the underground train and metro bus systems, the challenges faced by farmers, initiatives for providing electric bikes to students, and the formulation of a Ramzan relief package.

However, Sharif's active involvement in governmental affairs has raised eyebrows, as he officially holds only a seat in the National Assembly without any formal governmental role. Despite his party's aspirations to secure a majority in the recent general elections, they fell short of the required seats to independently form a government.

Instead, independent candidates supported by Imran Khan's PTI party emerged victorious in the elections. Nevertheless, Nawaz's younger brother, Shehbaz Sharif, known for his rapport with the military establishment, orchestrated the formation of a coalition federal government, enlisting support from five other political parties, including the PPP led by Bilawal Zardari-Bhutto.

Since then, Nawaz Sharif had largely remained out of the public spotlight. Maryam Nawaz, his daughter and a significant political figure, became the first woman chief minister in Pakistan's history, positioning herself as Nawaz's political successor. Despite the absence of an official title, Nawaz Sharif's recent involvement in administrative meetings suggests his continued influence within the PML-N and the political landscape of Pakistan.

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