In a pivotal decision, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has declared its intent to contest the upcoming general elections in Punjab independently, while keeping the possibility of alliances or seat adjustment arrangements open in other provinces, according to party sources.
This decision followed a significant meeting held in London on Tuesday, where the PML-N made key determinations on various election-related matters, including the return of party leader Nawaz Sharif, the party’s election campaign strategy, and the nomination of candidates for national and provincial assembly seats.
Sources within the party revealed that Nawaz Sharif is slated to receive a warm welcome upon his return to Pakistan next month, with October 21 as the proposed date for his homecoming, a suggestion put forward by PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and agreed upon by top party members present at the meeting.
It was decided during the London meeting that the PML-N would commence its election campaign immediately after Nawaz’s return. The campaign will be spearheaded by Nawaz Sharif himself, with active participation from Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, and Hamza Shehbaz.
One insider with knowledge of the deliberations disclosed that the party had firmly decided against forming any electoral alliances or seat adjustments with other parties, both at the national and provincial levels in Punjab. However, joint candidates might be fielded in other provinces.
This decision effectively extinguishes any hopes of reconciliation between the PML-N and its former coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Experts suggest that this stance is a significant challenge for the newly formed Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP).
On the contrary, sources indicate that the PML-N remains open to seat adjustments or electoral alliances with other parties in Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including parties such as the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Awami National Party (ANP), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), and other nationalist groups.
In addition to these decisions, it was revealed that another meeting of senior PML-N leaders would soon convene in London to finalize various other election-related matters. These discussions would include preparations for the party’s election strategy and the formulation of a new party manifesto.
During Tuesday’s meeting, initial proposals concerning the election campaign and party narrative were discussed. Participants emphasized the importance of engaging women and the youth demographic in their election campaign.
Furthermore, the meeting endorsed a proposal to extensively highlight the development projects initiated during Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif’s governments to attract voters. Another proposal aims to inform the public about high-ranking figures who had targeted the PML-N in the past.
Stay tuned for further updates as the PML-N continues to shape its strategy for the upcoming general elections.
