LONDON: The bigwigs of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are to go into huddle today (Monday) in London to discuss the party’s plan of action amid ongoing accountability proceedings against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members.
Ex-PM Sharif along with his son Hussain arrived in British capital from Jeddah on late Sunday to chair the high-level party meeting today. The PML-N top brass including Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif flew to London on Sunday to attend the party meeting.
In a brief media interaction upon his arrival in London, Sharif dispelled rumours of early elections as he said: “Do not fall prey to redundant speculations and rumours.”
Lauding efforts of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Sharif welcomed revival of International Cricket in Pakistan.
However, the ousted premier complained once again about his removal from power. “The stock market crash is consequent of political uncertainty in the country,” he underlined.
He opined that the country would not progress until the leg-pulling in country’s politics is not stopped, adding that this would ultimately weaken the state.
Sharif also condemned the attacks on journalists and called for an impartial investigation against perpetrators.
Consultative meeting
The top-notch consultations come as the legal pressure is being mounted against Sharif and his immediate family members in the wake of Panamagate verdict. The former premier, his daughter and son-in-law have already been indicted in the graft references filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Arrest warrant for Sharif
Last week, the accountability court issued the bailable arrest warrant for Nawaz Sharif in two graft references and directed authorities to produce him till November 3 (next hearing).
The arrest warrants for Sharif were issued in Aziza Steel Mills and Flagship Investment Ltd references following the indictment in three graft cases.
Rifts in Sharif family
There were media reports circulating about internal differences within the ruling family after ex-PM Nawaz Sharif was sent home by the Supreme Court in July this year in the Panama Papers case.
However, Maryam Nawaz rejected the reports of infighting within the ruling family and party, saying that rumors of infighting were overblown.
“It’s not a divided house,” she said in an interview to a foreign newspaper last week, while responding to rumors of a tug of war within the family over who should be at the helms of the party affairs.
When asked about her uncle Shahbaz Sharif possibly becoming prime minister if the party wins next generals elections, she said: “He’s the most competent person. He’s my hero. I love him to death.”
