File photo taken on May 22, 2017 shows Shahbaz Sharif, the chief minister of Pakistan's eastern Punjab Province, speaking at the second International Seminar on Business Opportunities in Punjab (ISBOP) in Lahore, Pakistan. Pakistan's ruling party PML-N decided Saturday to name Shahbaz Sharif as the country's new prime minister.(Xinhua)
by Muhammad Tahir
ISLAMABAD, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) party has named Shahbaz Sharif, younger brother of ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as his successor, which means Sharifs will maintain their power in the country's politics despite disqualification of Nawaz Sharif by the country's top court on Friday.
Nawaz Sharif stepped down as prime minister hours after the Supreme Court of Pakistan disqualified him for holding any public office over his alleged failure to disclose his income from a UAE-based company that is owned by one of his sons.
The removal of Nawaz Sharif by the judiciary had raised concerns in the country about political crisis, however, PML-N senior leaders and lawmakers' agreement on Shahbaz's nomination will ensure continuation of Nawaz Sharif's policies. Nawaz Sharif will have more time to focus on political activities for the coming parliamentary elections that are scheduled for May next year.
Shahbaz Sharif, who is the incumbent chief minister in Pakistan's most populous Punjab province, has a vast experience in internal and external affairs because of his long involvement in government affairs.
As PML-N enjoys majority support in the parliament, Shahbaz Sharif will not face any serious challenge from the opposition parties, which are involved in consultations to field a joint candidate to challenge Shahbaz Sharif.
Although political watchers expect political crisis and tensions between the PML-N and the opposition parties, Nawaz Sharif adopted a soft and reconciliation tone when he spoke to reporters after he presided over a meeting to choose his successor.
Former senator and a political analyst Afrasiab Khattak describe the court's disqualification of an elected prime minister as unfortunate as the verdict has created disruption in the political system that could lead to instability.
"Political issues should be resolved politically not through courts. This is not a healthy practice," Khattak told Xinhua.
He said as PML-N party enjoys clear majority in the National Assembly and a very strong support base in Punjab province, Sharifs will not give up and will have dominant role in politics.
Political observers are of the view that Nawaz Sharif could use the victim card in politics and the next year's elections as he has been removed for the third time before completion of his five-year constitutional term.
Marvi Sarmad, a senior political and security analyst, said Shraif's PML-N party could win more sympathies and votes in the coming elections in the wake of the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif on a very minor issue.
Although opposition leader Imran Khan is the main beneficiary of the court's removal of the prime minister by the judiciary, he could not stop Sharif party from powerful role in the politics, she told Xinhua.
"I do not think there will be any significant change in the political situation," she said and pointed out that Shahbaz has a long political experience and he could overcome the current crisis.
PML-N and Nawaz Sharif himself showed political sagacity to implement the Supreme Court's verdict despite expressing serious reservations.
The court's verdict was shocking for the PML-N as the court has not only disqualified its popular leader and also caused a huge embarrassment for the party.
There is no doubt that Nawaz Sharif's disqualification will have a negative impact on the internal and external policies he had been pursuing as the prime minister. But transferring the power to his brother will ensure continuation of policies, including fight against terrorism.
Cordial relations with India and Afghanistan will be a difficult task for the new leader but he will have to honor Nawaz Sharif's pledges for good neighborly relations.
