Shehbaz resigns as PMLN president

LAHORE: In a major political development in the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has resigned as the party President.

In his resignation submitted to the party’s secretary general on May 11, Shehbaz said, “I believe the time has come for Mohammad Nawaz Sharif to resume his rightful place as the President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) and provide his invaluable leadership and vision to steer the party forward.”

Party sources said Nawaz will again become the party president in the party’s general council scheduled to be held on May 28. Earlier, the general council was scheduled to be held on May 11 but it was rescheduled.

PMLN Secretary Information and Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb shared the resignation of Shehbaz Sharif with the media. As per the document, he wrote, “Dear secretary general, I am writing to address a pivotal moment in the history of our party, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz). And to reaffirm unwavering commitment to its principles and values.”

“Reflecting on the tumultuous events of 2017, which resulted in the unjust disqualification of our esteemed leader and Quaid, Mohammad Nawaz Sharif, from the prime minister’s office and the presidency of our party, I am reminded of the resilience and fortitude with which our party has faced adversity under his leadership,” he further wrote.

Terming the presidency of PMLN an amanat (trust), Shehbaz added, “In the face of adversity, Quaid Mohammad Nawaz Sharif entrusted me with the responsibility of assuming the presidency of the party, a duty I have upheld with utmost dedication and sincerity. However, I am cognizant that this role has always been viewed as a trust, or “amanaat” bestowed upon me by our revered leader.”

Expressing joy over the exoneration of the former prime minister and party president Mian Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz said, “I am heartened by the recent developments that have exonerated our leader with dignity, affirming his unblemished integrity and commitment to the service of our nation. Furthermore, following the general elections of 2024, the Quaid and the party have entrusted me with the responsibility of the prime minister’s office.”

“In light of these developments and steadfast guidance of our beloved leader, I believe the time has come for Mohammad Nawaz Sharif to resume his rightful place as the President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) and provide his invaluable leadership and vision to steer the party forward,” he maintained.

“Therefore, it is with a deep sense of duty and reverence for our party’s principles that I tender my resignation as the President of Pakistan Muslim League (N). I remain steadfast in my commitment to serve the party diligently and with unwavering loyalty under the leadership of Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif. Thank you for your understanding and support,” he concluded.