Shehbaz or Maryam: Who will be PML-N’s candidate for PM slot in 2023, reveals spokesperson

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Muhammad Zubair while speaking on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, said that the party vice-president Maryam Nawaz has political ambitions hinting that she might be a candidate for the position of prime minter in the next general elections from PML-N.

His comments come after former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had announced that Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif will be PML-N’s candidate for prime minister in the general elections of 2023.

Khaqan made these comments during a political talk show on Dawn News, ‘Khabar Se Khabar’. He said as Maryam Nawaz was not illegible, it’s likely that the party president is nominated since he leads the party.

“Shehbaz Sharif is our president and he will be our next candidate for prime minister,” said Khaqan.

Responding to Khaqan’s comments, Zubair said that Khaqan was one of the most senior members of PML-N and that he could not challenge his statements.

“It’s a long way to go, Nawaz Sharif is not illegible, both Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz are facing court cases. The situation isn’t clear yet. The future will tell who is illegible [to be a candidate],” said Zubair.

PML-N leader further said, “I have been hearing the case hearing in Islamabad High Court (IHC), I do not have a legal background but I am100 per cent sure that Maryam Nawaz will get relief in her cases because there is no corruption against her.”

Anchorperson Shahzeb Khanzada further asked Zubair if Shehbaz Sharif will be the next nominee for the position of prime minister, to which he responded that Shahid Khaqan might have some knowledge as he has been in a place of leadership, he might have information on the matter.

Khanzada said, “You are one of the closest leaders to Maryam Nawaz in the party, it is not possible that this interview [of Khaqan] came a day earlier and it is not possible that you have not conversed with Maryam Sahiba on this.”

“I have not talked to Maryam Nawaz. She is busy with her son’s wedding. Having said that, there are no second thoughts on the leadership qualities and competence of Shehbaz Sharif. He has led upfront during the toughest of times,” responded Zubair.

“I will not hesitate in saying that Maryam Nawaz has political ambitions. But along with that, she abides by party discipline. She will completely contribute to the electoral victory of PML-N,” added Zubair.