Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met at the Sharif family’s Raiwind residence on Saturday evening to discuss the country’s political situation, according to reports.
Although the gathering was part of the family’s regular weekly meetings, political observers believe Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent remarks about a “system failure” dominated the discussion.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz briefed his elder brother Nawaz Sharif on developments at the federal level, while Maryam updated the party leadership on the political situation in Punjab.
According to reports, the meeting also discussed the elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where the PML-N defeated its main rival, the PPP, in first phase. The polls have drawn criticism from some political quarters, with allegations of irregularities and concerns over the absence of certain political stakeholders.
Bilawal Criticism on Nawaz Sharif:
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has sharply criticized the PML-N over the AJK elections, warning that the federal government’s position could come under pressure if the polls in second and third phased were manipulated.
However, several political analysts believe Bilawal’s criticism is less significant for the PML-N than Mohsin Naqvi’s remarks. They argue that both the PPP and the PML-N have traditionally operated within the country’s existing political framework, making Naqvi’s comments more politically consequential than Bilawal’s rhetoric.
Analysts also point to the PML-N’s strong response to Bilawal’s criticism, while noting the party has largely avoided commenting on Naqvi’s “system failure” statement.
Some commentators interpret Naqvi’s remarks as reflecting concerns within influential quarters about the government’s performance, while others see them simply as criticism of political governance. During his recent media briefing, the DG ISPR also described the country’s challenges as stemming from political failures.
Mohsin Naqvi Statement:
Naqvi, who is widely regarded as having strong ties with the country’s power centres, made the “system failure” remarks while addressing a gathering of business leaders in Islamabad. This has fuelled speculation among some analysts about whether influential institutions are reassessing their support for the current civilian setup.
Political analysts remain divided. Senior analyst Najam Sethi has suggested the government may opt for a cabinet reshuffle and pursue constitutional changes that would strengthen the federal government’s authority. Veteran journalist Sohail Warraich, however, has argued that the current administration is nearing the end of its political course, contending that governments ultimately survive or fall based on their economic performance. He says the coalition that has governed since Imran Khan’s removal through a parliamentary vote in April 2022 has failed to meet public expectations on the economy.
Azma Bokhari Reaction:
Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari hit back at Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, saying he should first seek the resignations of his father, former president Asif Ali Zardari, and the Senate chairman before predicting the collapse of the federal government.
She also remarked that Bilawal appeared politically unsettled and accused him of targeting Maryam Nawaz because of her performance as Punjab chief minister.
Bokhari said the PML-N would not remain silent if someone attacked party’s leadership. She added that Maryam Nawaz will stand as party’s candidate for prime minister in the next general elections. Azma asserted that the PML-N was standing ready for either cooperation or political confrontation with the PPP.
