Nawaz Sharif, the leader of PML-N, decided on Monday to step back and allow his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif to take charge of the government’s response to the wheat crisis, following the ongoing investigation into the large-scale wheat import scandal, according to sources familiar with the situation as reported by Dawn.
The elder Sharif has chosen not to provide any guidance to either the federal or Punjab government regarding the wheat import scandal and will allow the inquiry committee to complete its investigation. After the probe is finished, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will consult with his elder brother for future actions based on the committee’s findings, as per the sources.
On Monday, Nawaz Sharif chaired a party gathering that was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, federal ministers Azam Nazir Tarar and Ahsan Iqbal, Punjab chapter president Rana Sanaullah, and party secretary general office aspirant Khawaja Saad Rafique. However, there was no discussion on the wheat scandal during the meeting.
PM Shehbaz has been entrusted with the responsibility of handling the matter, as a decision has been made in this regard.
The federal government seems hesitant to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the large-scale scam and hold accountable those in charge during the import process.
Currently, a committee has been established to uncover any irregularities in the import, with Cabinet Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal leading the efforts. The committee’s main objective is to thoroughly investigate the issue and assign accountability. It is expected that the committee will present its findings to the cabinet within the week.
The current administration has pointed fingers at the interim government led by Anwarul Haq Kakar for the wheat import scandal.
Party president
During the meeting, the participants deliberated on the necessary arrangements to appoint Nawaz Sharif as the president of the PML-N. They finalized a party general council meeting for May 11 to fulfill this objective.
After six years of the Supreme Court disqualifying the elder Sharif from holding the post, Mr. Nawaz will assume the party presidency from Mr. Shehbaz.
The party expressed its belief that Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification in 2017 was a result of a conspiracy. They now believe it is time for him to take on the role of party president and lead the party to new levels of popularity.
Sources indicate that Mr. Nawaz will further establish his authority within the party once he assumes the presidency.
Additionally, the meeting included a briefing from Law Minister Tarar regarding the Supreme Court’s suspension of the Peshawar High Court’s verdict on reserved seats for women and minorities in the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), which is the new home for PTI lawmakers-elect. The sources mentioned that there was concern within the meeting regarding the Supreme Court’s decision.
When contacted, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari informed Dawn that Mr. Nawaz held a meeting on Monday to discuss the preparations for the party president’s election. She clarified that no other matters were discussed during the meeting.
