Dr. Syed Asif Kirmani, former political secretary to ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has announced his departure from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), citing criticism of the party’s top leadership.
In a statement, Kirmani expressed concern that people were suffering due to inflated power bills and high inflation, while some leaders continued to support ineffective governance. He addressed Nawaz Sharif directly, saying, “Nawaz Sharif Sahib! All is not well.”
Kirmani did not indicate any immediate plans to join another party but mentioned that he would soon release a detailed statement explaining his decision to leave PML-N.
Appointed as Nawaz Sharif’s political secretary during his tenure in 2013, Kirmani was known for his close association with the former premier and active role in PML-N’s election campaigns leading up to their rise to power.
Kirmani joins a growing list of PML-N leaders who have parted ways with the party due to disagreements with the leadership’s political approach and their decision to form the government despite allegations of electoral misconduct following the February 8 elections.
Recently, Abbas Khan Afridi also left the party, questioning Nawaz Sharif’s relevance in the country’s current political landscape. Other notable departures from PML-N in recent months include Muhammad Zubair, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and Miftah Ismail.