Analysis: Maryam, Shehbaz engaged in hushed tussle for becoming Nawaz's political heir

Opinion (Salman Ghani)- A perception was emanated after Nawaz Sharif’s ouster that his younger brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif would be installed as both party chief and premier. And what cemented the aforementioned opinion was the fact that soon after disqualification, Nawaz garnered all party workers, political leaders, and (PMLN) lawmakers and announced that junior Sharif would be his alternative choice for both top positions, but Abbasi’s premiership came as bolt from blue.

Following this unforeseen move, Shehbaz also failed to procure party’s highest position. These two unpredicted events dropped a bombshell on political as well as non-political forces and conveyed a uniform message to friends and foes alike: Nawaz would lead party till he is active in political affairs while his political heir would be Maryam Nawaz.

Photo courtesy: Maryam Nawaz s twitter account

As far as movement of sudden change in PMLN leadership is concerned, the fear has been generated within lines of ruling party as 2018 polls near while majority of ruling party’s lawmakers are looking towards the duo of Shehbaz-Nisar as both share vast experience in affairs related to powerful establishment. Experienced aides are raising finger towards fast approaching inevitable events like verdict in Nawaz’s ongoing trial, deepening political instability and 2018 polls and are calling for premeditated and calculated strategy beforehand.

These aides are also of the opinion that consolation can only be achieved if Shehbaz Sharif is awarded top positions instead of Maryam Nawaz (as she holds stern stance against establishment). Only Shehbaz can put an end to Nawaz’s agony in wake of current crisis.

So, it is the need of the hour that conflicts within family should be solved through backdoor channels instead of revealing them on public platforms. And if the Maryam-Shehbaz rift prolonged, then matters would get out of control ensuing possible defeat in 2018 polls.

In nutshell, it can be said that Nawaz is destined to rule Nawaz League despite ouster but there is a hushed tussle going on between Maryam and Shehbaz for becoming Nawaz’s political heir and this phenomenon highlights split in the House of Sharifs.

But even if Shehbaz emerges as Nawaz’s legitimate heir, question that whether PMLN’s opponents and establishment can digest rise of junior Sharif would continue to hover over country’s political scenario.

The article originally appeared in Roznama Dunya. The author is Head of Political Affairs Dunya News and Executive Editor Daily Dunya.