Return of Maryam Nawaz

In a rather expected move, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz broke her months-long silence and seems to be making a political comeback. The rudderless party is in the midst of a leadership crisis as the Sharif brothers remain abroad and Maryam has been missing from the political circle.

While visiting the residence of ex-prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Maryam Nawaz surprisingly spoke to the media and said that she had remained silent due to personal reasons. She continued with the rhetoric of criticising the PTI government saying she wouldn’t be intimidated or subdued by being jailed and will continue struggling for civilian supremacy.

Maryam is currently facing charges of money laundering and is currently out on bail. Nawaz Sharif, meanwhile, is in London where he expected to undergo surgery which has supposedly being delayed. However, Maryam dismissed rumours that her father was postponing operation until she is present there, even though she has moved the courts to receive permission to visit him.

Rumours about a rift in the PML-N are growing traction over the missing leaders. Several stalwarts have taken on leadership roles to fill the void but party members are not content and want Shehbaz Sharif back to lead the party. They believe that Shehbaz is the only one to counter the PTI government over issues such as the state of the economy. A recent party meeting was attended by only 42 out of 83 members. There are also murmurs that a forward bloc was being formed in Punjab and some PML-N leaders had even met Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

Shehbaz Sharif remains in a dilemma whether he should return or not. The morale of the party is at an all-time low, political support is declining, and the party risks losing voter support. The party members are looking for direction to take to the streets. Shehbaz would be unwilling to take such a decision at this time. He faces a barrage of cases, investigations, and enquiries by NAB. He fully understands the ordeal, and would rather prefer to stay away in this crucial time.

The PML-N is strongly controlled by the Sharifs but it cannot survive if party leaders are absent for long. Many party members might seek other options if the leadership void continues. It also needs to be seen if Maryam’s comeback will have any political effect or was merely a gimmick.  This has benefited the PTI as the lack of any challenges by the opposition has in fact ensured the stability of the government.