Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif names brother Shehbaz as 2018 PM candidate
Ousted Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif has appointed his brother Shehbaz Sharif as the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) prime ministerial candidate for the 2018 general elections. According to reports, the decision was made after the party's top leadership met at Nawaz's residence recently. Shehbaz is a well-known figure in Pakistani politics and currently serves as the chief minister of Punjab. Here's more about the development.
What context is this happening in?
Sharif resigned as PM after the Pakistani SC disqualified him following the Panama Papers leak which revealed his alleged corrupt dealings He was succeeded as PM by Shahid Khan Abbasi. Media reports earlier suggested that Abbasi would only serve as PM for an interim period until Shehbaz could contest from Nawaz's seat and get elected to the parliament in the 2018 general elections.
Who is Shehbaz Sharif?
Shehbaz Sharif is Nawaz Sharif's brother and has been serving as the chief minister of Pakistan's most populous state, Punjab, since 2013. Known as an 'astute businessman' and a powerful administrator, he is familiar with the workings of Pakistani politics, especially in Punjab. Numerous health, environmental and education programs have been initiated in Punjab under him.
Nawaz showers praise on Shehbaz
Speaking at the meeting where Shehbaz was chosen as PM candidate, Nawaz said, "Shehbaz has had a difference of opinion over some issues yet his commitment to the party overrules all else, which is why he has never violated the party discipline."
