LAHORE
\nFormer prime minister Nawaz Sharif has opted for an assertive narrative of strict accountability for his party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), to compete in the upcoming general elections in January next year, instead of adopting a conciliatory approach, sources familiar with the party\u2019s discussions in London on Friday have disclosed.
\nInsiders revealed that during the impromptu party gathering in London, two options were considered, but it was ultimately decided that the party would campaign aggressively with a message centered on strict accountability.
\nNawaz Sharif made the final decision, emphasising that Pakistan\u2019s path to progress could only be realized by holding all those involved in the 2017 conspiracy accountable. He stated that while he would have exercised restraint if the conspiracy had targeted him personally, he could not tolerate it when it concerned the country and its millions of citizens.
\nThe PML-N head held the conspirators responsible for the country\u2019s economic woes, and called for bringing them in the dock for prosecution.
\nNawaz Sharif\u2019s stance received strong support from those present at the London session, insiders confirmed, adding that Shehbaz Sharif, the president of the PML-N, could not convince his elder brother and party chief to adopt a softer stance.
\nPML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz, who also backed Nawaz Sharif\u2019s stance, argued that allowing the conspirators to go unpunished would further harm the country. Maryam believed that a strict accountability process was essential for the country to function effectively and to prevent the repetition of past events the country has experienced these 76 years.
\nDuring the session, Shehbaz Sharif discussed the concerns within the party about holding the conspirators accountable, while Maryam Nawaz conveyed some reservations of senior party leaders. Nawaz Sharif assured that he would address these concerns.
\nThe meeting decided that Nawaz Sharif and PML-N candidates would put forward the demand for accountability of the conspirators during the party\u2019s election campaign. A committee would also be formed to prepare the party\u2019s narrative and manifesto.
\nAs the London huddle drew towards conclusion, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif noted that no party member had objected to Nawaz Sharif\u2019s leadership, confirming that Nawaz Sharif would be the unanimous PML-N candidate for the prime minister\u2019s position.
\nParticipants in the meeting suggested that, upon Nawaz Sharif\u2019s return to Pakistan, the party incorporated an economic relief plan for the underprivileged segments of society into its narrative.
\nIn his concluding remarks, Nawaz Sharif stressed the importance of addressing both the demand for strict accountability of the conspirators responsible for the country\u2019s dire situation and the pursuit of economic goals.
\nBefore Nawaz Sharif\u2019s return, according to insiders, the PML-N has decided to hold seven processions in Lahore to mobilise the public in welcoming him back to Pakistan. These gatherings will be addressed by both Maryam Nawaz and Hamza Shehbaz Sharif. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LAHORE Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has opted for an assertive narrative of strict accountability for his party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), to compete in the upcoming general elections in January next year, instead of adopting a conciliatory approach, sources familiar with the party\u2019s discussions in London on Friday have disclosed. Insiders revealed that during […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-357860","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n