Sharifs maintain political grip in spite of removal

Observers doubt exit of prime minister will reduce family's power

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - The Pakistan Muslim League party has named Shahbaz Sharif, younger brother of ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, as his successor, which means the Sharifs will maintain their power in the country's politics despite the 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 from office over his alleged failure to disclose his income from a UAE-based company that is owned by one of his sons.

His removal had raised concerns in the country about a political crisis, however, PML-N senior leaders and lawmakers' agreement on Shahbaz's nomination will ensure continuation of Nawaz Sharif's policies.

Shahbaz Sharif, who is the incumbent chief minister in Pakistan's most populous Punjab province, has vast experience in internal and external affairs because of his long involvement in government.

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 him.

Although political watchers expect a 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 described 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 said.

He said as PML-N party enjoys a clear majority in the National Assembly and a very strong support base in Punjab.

Political observers said that Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N party could win more sympathy and votes in the coming elections in the wake of the disqualification.

Marvi Sarmad, a senior political and security analyst, said that although opposition leader Imran Khan is the main beneficiary of the court's removal of the prime minister, he could not stop Sharif's party from maintaining a powerful role in politics.

"I do not think there will be any significant change in the political situation," she said, pointing out that Shahbaz has extensive political experience and 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.

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.

Xinhua

(China Daily 07/31/2017 page11)