LAHORE: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has declared its intention to spring a “surprise” in the upcoming February 8 election, as the highly anticipated contest draws near and campaigning gains momentum across the country.
PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif stated in Lahore on Wednesday, “The people will determine the fate of Pakistan on February 8 […] we will propel the country forward under the guidance of Nawaz Sharif.”
Despite keeping a relatively low profile in its election campaign, the PML-N, according to political observers and analysts, has initiated corner meetings, interviews, and media engagements led by its senior leadership.
With party leader Nawaz Sharif returning to Pakistan after an exile lasting nearly four years, the PML-N believes it has received a much-needed boost, particularly following the unsatisfactory performance during the 16-month tenure of the coalition government led by Shehbaz.
The party has nominated 208 candidates for the 266 National Assembly general seats available. Across the five legislatures, the PML-N has issued 671 tickets out of the 859 available seats.
During discussions with journalists, Shehbaz expressed confidence in his party securing enough seats to form the central government, while his elder brother Nawaz aspires to become the prime minister for the fourth time.
Senior PML-N leader Ishaq Dar, in a recent interview with Geo News’ Shahzeb Khanzada, mentioned that the PML-N anticipates winning over two-thirds of the National Assembly seats. Dar clarified that this doesn’t rule out the party’s willingness to collaborate with other parties aiming to rescue the country from ongoing turmoil, hoping for strengthened alliances post-February 8.
Addressing Pakistan’s economic recovery, Shehbaz emphasized that under his brother’s leadership, the country witnessed remarkable growth. The former prime minister pledged that the PML-N leader would tirelessly work to bring back those prosperous days for Pakistan.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
