Nawaz Sharif to be country’s next premier, says Shehbaz

QUETTA: Former prime minister and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday dispelling the impression of strained relations with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif would become the country’s prime minister for the fourth time.

Addressing a press conference in Quetta with former senator and member Balochistan National Party (BNP) Mengal Group Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Khan Raisani standing alongside him, Shehbaz Sharif claimed that the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif would become the country’s prime minister for the fourth time courtesy votes of the people of Pakistan.

At the same time, however, the PML-N president said that his party would feel no hesitation in accepting somebody else as the country’s prime minister if the people voted for him. “Together, we have to make Balochistan prosperous,” Shehbaz said.

He dispelled the impression that he had strained relations with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Nawaz Sharif directs PML-N to prepare for upcoming elections

However, he made it clear that mudslinging was of no use. “I hope that politicians will learn lessons from the past,” PML-N president said.

He said that the devastation caused by the PTI government was not hidden from anybody.

Former prime minister said that Ukraine-Russia war was the biggest reason for inflation during his 16-month stay at the PM Office. “We saved the country from getting bankrupt, which ultimately dented our politics,” he opined.

On the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif invited Lashkari to join the PML-N.

The BNP leader said that he would take the decision in a few days after consultations. “We have decided in principle that we will become part of the political process,” he said.

Earlier, Shehbaz Sharif met with former Balochistan chief minister Nawab Muhammad Aslam Khan Raisani.

Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Khan Raisani, former National Assembly speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and other leaders were also present on the occasion.

Overall political situation in the country, particularly the upcoming general elections, came under discussion at the meeting.

Raisani welcomed Shehbaz and expressed his good wishes for him.

Speaking on the occasion, Shehbaz said that the PML-N wanted to work in collaboration with other political parties for the development of Balochistan since the province’s progress was the basis of Pakistan’s progress.

He was of the view that unity and cooperation was need of the hour if the country was to be pulled out of crisis.