LAHORE: The PML-N has decided to field the former first lady Kulsoom Nawaz for by-poll in NA-120 Lahore-III.
According to sources privy to the developments in the internal party discussions, names of Kulsoom Nawaz and Maryam Nawaz emerged as first and second priority, respectively, as the PML-N candidates for the seat (that) fell vacant after disqualification of ex-premier Nawaz Sharif. However, late Tuesday the top PML-N leadership agreed on giving the contesting rights to Kulsoom Nawaz.
Though Kulsoom might seem a novice to the political arena for the uninitiated, she is by no means an amateur in the political arena. Although she has never been a contestant in electoral politics, she successfully led the party’s movement for the release of her incarcerated husband after a military coup by Gen Musharraf in 1999.
Her portfolio however is not limited to just that. She holds a very influential position when it comes to mediating important issues among top party hierarchy and commands a lot of respect not just because she is the wife of Nawaz Sharif.
The former prime minister had earlier wished that his younger brother Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif should succeed him as prime minister (after contesting from NA-120 to become a National Assembly member).
But, the name of Shahbaz was apparently withdrawn after some senior party members apprehended that in the absence of younger Sharif from Punjab not only the pace of ongoing mega projects in the province would be affected but the party’s energies would also be diverted to his election.
