Daily Times

Islamabad: Following earthshaking revelations of Panama Leaks and mounting political pressure from the opposition parties, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is considering a temporary in-house change to silence his critics, avoid public backlash and carry the day eventually.

Though nothing is final so far, the prime minister commended consultation with his trusted aides whether a temporary in-house change would be a wise move.

The PTI chairman Imran Khan already demanded resignation of the prime minister. Other opposition parties synced their voices asking for an independent inquiry commission. The Panama Leaks confirmed that, at least, a couple of off-shore companies were owned by the children of the prime minister. There were reports that prime minister was also a beneficiary of that secret business.

Sources told Daily Times the prime minister has suggested either National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq or MNA Sheikh Rohail Asghar could act as interim prime minster till the verdict of a judicial commission, if it is constituted.

However the Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif rejected the proposal and insisted that either him or his son Hamza Shahbaz should have been entrusted with the responsibility of holding the office.

That unusual developed compelled Shahbaz Sharif visit Islamabad on Monday. He also held an important meeting with Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan to discuss the same proposal, floated by the prime minister.

The source told this scribe that Shahbaz Sharif tried to convince Ch Nisar back his (Shahbaz’s) candidacy as interim prime minister. However, the interior minister expressed his reservations and advised Shahbaz Sharif not to leave the office of Punjab Chief Minister. The interior minister presented himself to become the interim prime minister.

Shabaz Sharif argued that majority PML-N parliamentarians and cabinet members would not accept him (Nisar) as the prime minister even for a short period of time. He even named two of his staunch opponents – Defense Minister Khawja Asif and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

The interior minister was said to have ignored the argument saying it would be his responsibility to get the support of 172 MNAs, which is necessary to win the vote of confidence.

The chief minister was reportedly annoyed and returned to Lahore. Meanwhile, Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan contacted the JUI-F chief Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman and made him promise to support his candidacy as interim prime minister, if the situation arises.

Sources close to the prime minister revealed that he was suffering from acute stress and depression. He visited Sharif Medical Complex thrice for his medical checkup during the short span of 72 hours. At fourth occasion a panel of doctors rushed to his residence, at Jati Umra, to provide him with necessary medical care. The sources also said that legal and constitutional experts told Prime Minister that the interview of Hussain Nawaz Sharif regarding off-shore companies and acceptance of ownership of flats by Mariyam Nawaz would create problems for him.

Due to current situation a big change can be seen not only at Islamabad but also at Raiwind Palace. On the other hand Prime Minister has sought time for meeting with former President Asif Ali Zardari at London through Ishaq Dar.

It is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister has reached London for treatment under the advice of doctors at Sharif Medical Complex.

If any in-house change takes place, then a tough competition between Shahbaz Sharif and Chaudhary Nisar cannot be ruled out.