Lahore: In an exclusive interview with private TV channel Khawaja Asif disclosed Nawaz Sharif, leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz will not be party’s prime ministerial candidate. Instead, Shahbaz Sharif is set to be PML-N’s candidate.

Furthermore, Asif revealed that coalition government will collectively decide on name of Prime Minister. This implies that various political parties involved in coalition will have say in determining country’s leadership. Additionally, if Pakistan Peoples’ Party proposes candidate for PM’s slot, alliance will also consider that.

He expressed confidence that coalition government will emerge within couple of days, signalling progress towards consensus among participating political parties. However, he noted that name of Ishaq Dar for Finance Minister’s position has not yet been finalised.

Regarding Punjab Chief Minister, Asif indicated that while name is almost finalised, he refrained from disclosing further details, suggesting ongoing deliberations within coalition.

However, few hours later, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb claimed that former Defence Minister’s statement had been presented out of context, claiming that name of party’s prime ministerial candidate had not been decided yet.

“Name will be decided unanimously as result of coalition and political consultation. No final decision has been taken in this regard yet,” she stressed.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 13 2024

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