Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam not my leaders: Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (DNA): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has reiterated that party president Shehbaz Sharif
and chief organiser Maryam Nawaz were not his leaders.

Speaking to a private news channel, the former prime minister warned
that if Maryam Nawaz handles the party’s affairs, it may lead to the
separation of individuals like himself.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi reaffirmed that his leader is Nawaz Sharif, not
Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz.

In reply to a question, the PML-N leader said that he was not inclined
towards participating in welcoming Nawaz Sharif, adding that he was not
informed about the latter’s reception.

Responding to a question regarding Nawaz Sharif’s bail, Abbasi said that
a person who was a ‘convicted absconder’ cannot get bail. “First, he has
to surrender before the court, otherwise the complication will
increase,” he added.

Moreover, the former premier said that he was not inclined towards
participating in elections amid the current circumstances. He firmly
expressed his decision not to participate in the upcoming elections.

This wasn’t the first time Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has given a statement
against Maryam Nawaz.

Earlier in February, Abbasi made it clear that his leader is Nawaz
Sharif and if Maryam Nawaz elevated to the PML-N’s top office, he will
consider remaining in the party’s fold or not.

“I was named the senior vice president of the PML-N when Shehbaz Sharif
was arrested in year 2019,” Shahid Khaqan said. “When Maryam was given
the leadership position and elevated to the Chief Organizer’s position,
I had tendered my resignation at that time from the party office to the
PML-N president,” he said. “I could not work further on the party’s
office, I told.”

“I have long-time relations and friendship with Nawaz Sharif, he is my
leader, and this relation could not be bonded with Maryam,” Shahid
Khaqan said.

Shehbaz Sharif, who is president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
(PML-N), appointed Maryam Nawaz as senior vice-president of the party.

A notification shared by Federal Minister for Information Marriyum
Aurangzeb stated that Maryam Nawaz has been authorized to re-organize
the party at all functional tiers/levels as the “Chief Organizer”.

“Pursuant to the powers conferred under the Constitution of Pakistan
Muslim League -N, the undersigned is pleased to appoint Ms. Maryam Nawaz
Sharif as  Senior Vice President” with immediate effect,” the
notification reads.