Maryam Nawaz claims family wanted her to hold party reigns

Author: Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister’s daughter Maryam Nawaz conversed in a recent interview about her family’s decision that she holds the reins of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N). She, however, did not elaborate further whether she aspires to be a prime minister in the future or not, as reported by The New York Times.

Maryam, the 44-year old defacto political heir of the Sharif family who has only recently started actively taking part in the political activities of Pakistan and who also happens to be one of her father’s closest adviser, once again quashed news of differences within the family and party.

About her uncle, Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif and his children, she said, “He’s the most competent person. He’s my hero. I love him to death.”

While shedding further light on her incursion into politics and adding that her upbringing has been relatively traditional with no signs of seeing herself taking on a political role, Maryam commented that after some time her father started seeing her administrative potential – this eventually made her one of the top advisers of the former premier.

On the subject of the persisting trials and tribulations over her family, Maryam Nawaz reiterated that the cases resemble that of pressure tactics.

The former prime minister’s daughter remains optimistic that the party isn’t losing out on its support and its members are determined to stay committed through.

The news of an alleged ‘cold war’ and political rivalry have long been the debate of Maryam Nawaz and her cousin, Hamza Shehbaz, son of her uncle Shehbaz Sharif.

The Chief Minister Punjab has repeatedly advised Maryam that politics of confrontation would do no good and hence there should be no statements issued against the institutions.

The brave display of Maryam’s political prowess was clearly visible when she took charge and extensively campaigned for her mother, Kulsoom Nawaz, whom the party fielded as its candidate in Lahore’s NA-120 by-election.

Resultantly, Kulsoom was elected as member of the National Assembly. Maryam’s campaign had proved to be a success.

The NA-120 seat had fallen vacant following the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif as the prime minister by the Supreme Court in light of the Panama Papers Case on July 28.