LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif will not contest a parliamentary by-electionfor the vacant seat, party sources said on Tuesday, effectivelyscuttling previous plans for him to take over as prime ministerin September.
Sharif, 68, was disqualified by the Supreme Court last monthbut kept his grip on the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz(PML-N) and outlined plans for Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to actas interim prime minister until his brother, Shahbaz, becomeseligible to take over by winning the by-election.
But Sharif and PML-N leadership have decided that Shahbazshould continue in his role as chief minister of the politicallyvital Punjab that accounts for more than half ofPakistan´s 190 million people.
"Shahbaz will definitely not contest for NA 120," said oneof Shahbaz´s aides in Lahore, referring to the National Assemblyseat left vacant by Nawaz.
A senior PML-N figure in Lahore confirmed that the chiefminister would not be contesting the seat, a move likely toleave Abbasi in charge until the next general elections, likelyin mid-2018.
PML-N officials say the main reason why Shahbaz may not takeover is linked to the general elections and the party´s fearsthat its grip on the vital Punjab province will weaken if hesteps down as chief minister.
The way Pakistan´s political system is set up means anyparty that sweeps Punjab will most likely go on to form agovernment after the 2018 poll.
Nawaz resigned last month after the Supreme Courtdisqualified him for not declaring a small source of income -something he rejects receiving.
The veteran leader has criticised the court´s decision andon Wednesday plans to begin a two-day drive to Lahore via allthe major towns along the way, a move that his supporters saywill show how popular he remains with voters.
His supporters also argue that it is not clear if theSupreme Court disqualification means he is barred fromcontesting the next election.