Pakistan's opposition rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government's proposal for a judicial commission to probe the alleged rigging in the July 2018 election.

"We reject every proposal for the formation of a commission and maintain our demand for fresh elections. There can be no change in the matter," JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-azadi-march-opposition-calls-for-imran-khans-resignation-260096">anti-government protest</a> entered its fifth day here.

"Now it's up to you. The sooner you decide on this, the sooner we can see this matter resolved. If you think this crowd should disperse, then go ahead and give the call. Neither will you remain in a fix and neither will we, then, have any lack of clarity on the matter," Rehman said.

Meanwhile, according to DAWN, the second round of talks between the government negotiating team and the Opposition's Rehbar Committee failed to break the ongoing deadlock between the two sides.

Defence Minister Pervez Khattak said the government is trying to find a middle ground with the opposition to break the ongoing deadlock.

The opposition has demanded the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-imran-khan-adamant-on-staying-in-power-260219"> resignation of Imran Khan</a> and calling of an election immediately.

Khan has said that he was ready to accept all "valid" demands of the Azadi March protesters, except their call for his resignation.

According to the local media, the Pakistan premier made the statement in a meeting led by Khattak to negotiate with the opposition parties taking part in the 'Azadi March', reported the Express Tribune.

"The government is ready to accept all valid demands except the demand for resignation," said Khan.

Khan also stated that his negotiation team will respond positively if the opposition displays seriousness towards reaching a consensus to end the protest march.

The purported aim of the march is to oust Khan, who has been at the helm for just over a year.

According to Fazlur Rehman aka Maulana Diesel, the march has been called to "protect the Constitution, democracy and Pakistan".

Earlier, Khan made it clear that he will not succumb to pressure from the opposition and not resign from his post.

The anti-government protest is likely to be one of the biggest in the country, surpassing the numbers of the 2014 'dharna' held against the then Pakistani government led by Nawaz Sharif.

Pakistan's opposition rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government's proposal for a judicial commission to probe the alleged rigging in the July 2018 election.

Pakistan's opposition rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government's proposal for a judicial commission to probe the alleged rigging in the July 2018 election. "We reject every proposal for the formation of a commission and maintain our demand for fresh elections. There can be no change in the matter," JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said as the anti-government protest entered its fifth day here. "Now it's up to you. The sooner you decide on this, the sooner we can see this matter resolved. If you think this crowd should disperse, then go ahead and give the call. Neither will you remain in a fix and neither will we, then, have any lack of clarity on the matter," Rehman said. Meanwhile, according to DAWN, the second round of talks between the government negotiating team and the Opposition's Rehbar Committee failed to break the ongoing deadlock between the two sides. Defence Minister Pervez Khattak said the government is trying to find a middle ground with the opposition to break the ongoing deadlock. The opposition has demanded the resignation of Imran Khan and calling of an election immediately. Khan has said that he was ready to accept all "valid" demands of the Azadi March protesters, except their call for his resignation. According to the local media, the Pakistan premier made the statement in a meeting led by Khattak to negotiate with the opposition parties taking part in the 'Azadi March', reported the Express Tribune. "The government is ready to accept all valid demands except the demand for resignation," said Khan. Khan also stated that his negotiation team will respond positively if the opposition displays seriousness towards reaching a consensus to end the protest march. The purported aim of the march is to oust Khan, who has been at the helm for just over a year. According to Fazlur Rehman aka Maulana Diesel, the march has been called to "protect the Constitution, democracy and Pakistan". Earlier, Khan made it clear that he will not succumb to pressure from the opposition and not resign from his post. The anti-government protest is likely to be one of the biggest in the country, surpassing the numbers of the 2014 'dharna' held against the then Pakistani government led by Nawaz Sharif.

Pakistan: Opposition rejects government proposal to probe 2018 election results

Former Pakistan prime minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-objects-to-back-to-jail-comments-of-pakistan-info-minister-173687">Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced</a> to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case.

The PML(N) supremo was&nbsp;however&nbsp;acquitted in another case connected with corruption.

The anti-corruption court found the ex-prime minister guilty in the Al-Azizia graft case but acquitted in him the Flagship Investment case.

The accountability court had earlier indicted Sharif for holding assets beyond his known sources of income last year in August.

Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched by the National Accountability Bureau(NAB) last year in September, following a judgment by the Pakistan Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif.

Sharif's supporters said the former prime minister would appeal.

"Appeal is our right, we will protest but will remain peaceful," former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who succeeded Sharif last year, told reporters outside the courthouse in Islamabad.

Sharif was sentenced in July to 10 years in prison by the same court, on charges related to the purchase of upscale apartments in London, after the Supreme Court removed him from power. He was released in September pending an appeal.

Reacting to the development, Pakistan's information minister Fawad Chaudhry said the&nbsp; "real face of Nawaz Sharif has been unmasked today",

Chaudhry added that the PML(N) leader was unable to provide the&nbsp;money trail for his assets, therefore, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case. The PML(N) supremo was however acquitted in another case connected with corruption.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case. The PML(N) supremo was however acquitted in another case connected with corruption. The anti-corruption court found the ex-prime minister guilty in the Al-Azizia graft case but acquitted in him the Flagship Investment case. The accountability court had earlier indicted Sharif for holding assets beyond his known sources of income last year in August. Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched by the National Accountability Bureau(NAB) last year in September, following a judgment by the Pakistan Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif. Sharif's supporters said the former prime minister would appeal. "Appeal is our right, we will protest but will remain peaceful," former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who succeeded Sharif last year, told reporters outside the courthouse in Islamabad. Sharif was sentenced in July to 10 years in prison by the same court, on charges related to the purchase of upscale apartments in London, after the Supreme Court removed him from power. He was released in September pending an appeal. Reacting to the development, Pakistan's information minister Fawad Chaudhry said the "real face of Nawaz Sharif has been unmasked today", Chaudhry added that the PML(N) leader was unable to provide the money trail for his assets, therefore, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Pak court convicts ex-PM Nawaz Sharif in corruption case; sentenced to 7 years in prison

Neighbouring nation Pakistan witnessed high-voltage general elections earlier this year which resulted in cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's rise as the South Asian nation's 22nd Prime Minister.&nbsp;

The victory was immensely significant for Khan as he finally achieved his dream of assuming the seat of Pakistan's Wazeer-e-Azam after a political struggle of over two decades.&nbsp;

Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), swept the general polls which were conducted on July 25 after which Pakistan's Parliament cleared the way for the 65-year-old Khan to set up a coalition government. Khan's party emerged as the single largest party both in terms of popular vote and seats.

PTI won 116 of the 272 elected seats in the National Assembly.

The party garnered 151 of the 342 seats in the lower chamber of parliament, short of a majority. In the lower house vote, Khan managed to bag 176 votes to defeat Shehbaz Sharif from the outgoing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, who won 96 votes.&nbsp;

Khan invited independent candidates and smaller parties to support PTI to form a government. Parties like PML (Q), Balochistan Awami Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Balochistan National Party (Mengal), Grand Democratic Alliance, Jamhoori Watan Party and as many as 9 independent candidates extended support to PTI.&nbsp;

This year's election was also significant as it was only the second democratic transfer of power since Pakistan’s 1947 independence. It came at a time when relations with on-off ally the United States are fraying over alleged Pakistani support for militants waging war in Afghanistan. Islamabad denies aiding insurgents.

No Pakistani premier has ever completed a five-year term in office, including Sharif, whose most recent stint in power was ended by the Supreme Court last year.

Sharif, who was jailed over corruption accusations several weeks before the election, saw his second stint in power ended by a military coup in 1999.

Khan's grand success in the election ended decades of political dominance by two dynastic powerhouses, the PML-N of three-time premier Nawaz Sharif, and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), founded and led by the Bhutto family.

2018 Pakistan general elections were marred by allegations of rigging levelled by Opposition parties. The parties alleged that Khan’s path to power was made easier by the tacit support of the powerful military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history. The army and Khan’s PTI denied any collusion.

Khan shot back that he had “struggled 22 years” to become premier. “No military dictator raised me. I got here on my own.”

After assuming office as Pakistan's Prime Minister, Khan, a firebrand nationalist, promised to create millions of jobs and build world-class hospitals and school systems in the mainly-Muslim country of 208 million people.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hits-and-misses-in-review-over-100-days-of-imran-khan-as-pak-pm-185726">Imran Khan has gaping challenges staring him in the face</a>. Putting Pakistan's dwindling economy back on track is one of his biggest challenges -- to get an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout to ease currency pressures, else seek support from China and risk deepening Pakistan’s economic dependence on its neighbour.

Smoothening ties with India and the United States is another.&nbsp;

Neighbouring nation Pakistan witnessed high-voltage general elections earlier this year which resulted in cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's rise as the South Asian nation's 22nd Prime Minister.

Neighbouring nation Pakistan witnessed high-voltage general elections earlier this year which resulted in cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's rise as the South Asian nation's 22nd Prime Minister. The victory was immensely significant for Khan as he finally achieved his dream of assuming the seat of Pakistan's Wazeer-e-Azam after a political struggle of over two decades. Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), swept the general polls which were conducted on July 25 after which Pakistan's Parliament cleared the way for the 65-year-old Khan to set up a coalition government. Khan's party emerged as the single largest party both in terms of popular vote and seats. PTI won 116 of the 272 elected seats in the National Assembly. The party garnered 151 of the 342 seats in the lower chamber of parliament, short of a majority. In the lower house vote, Khan managed to bag 176 votes to defeat Shehbaz Sharif from the outgoing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, who won 96 votes. Khan invited independent candidates and smaller parties to support PTI to form a government. Parties like PML (Q), Balochistan Awami Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Balochistan National Party (Mengal), Grand Democratic Alliance, Jamhoori Watan Party and as many as 9 independent candidates extended support to PTI. This year's election was also significant as it was only the second democratic transfer of power since Pakistan’s 1947 independence. It came at a time when relations with on-off ally the United States are fraying over alleged Pakistani support for militants waging war in Afghanistan. Islamabad denies aiding insurgents. No Pakistani premier has ever completed a five-year term in office, including Sharif, whose most recent stint in power was ended by the Supreme Court last year. Sharif, who was jailed over corruption accusations several weeks before the election, saw his second stint in power ended by a military coup in 1999. Khan's grand success in the election ended decades of political dominance by two dynastic powerhouses, the PML-N of three-time premier Nawaz Sharif, and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), founded and led by the Bhutto family. 2018 Pakistan general elections were marred by allegations of rigging levelled by Opposition parties. The parties alleged that Khan’s path to power was made easier by the tacit support of the powerful military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history. The army and Khan’s PTI denied any collusion. Khan shot back that he had “struggled 22 years” to become premier. “No military dictator raised me. I got here on my own.” After assuming office as Pakistan's Prime Minister, Khan, a firebrand nationalist, promised to create millions of jobs and build world-class hospitals and school systems in the mainly-Muslim country of 208 million people. Imran Khan has gaping challenges staring him in the face. Putting Pakistan's dwindling economy back on track is one of his biggest challenges -- to get an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout to ease currency pressures, else seek support from China and risk deepening Pakistan’s economic dependence on its neighbour. Smoothening ties with India and the United States is another.

Pak elections 2018: When Pakistan witnessed its second democratic transfer of power since 1947 

Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan became the prime minister of Pakistan after being on the periphery of political power circles for 20-odd years.

The firebrand nationalist promised radical change, saying he would redistribute wealth, hold the country’s political elite accountable, make more people pay taxes, improve the lives of the poor, bring Pakistan out of its debt burden and improve ties with neighbours and strategically reposition his country.

So has Imran Khan delivered on his promises or buckled under pressure from the army and the deep state?

Shortly after coming to power, Imran wrote a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a meeting of the foreign ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly elections.

But a day later, Pakistan terrorists killed an Indian soldier and three policemen, while the Imran Khan government released stamps glorifying terrorist Burhan Wani.

India rejected the offer of talks with foreign minister Sushma Swaraj clearly saying talks and terror cannot go together, and that India needed action before any meeting could take place.

Snubbed by India, Imran lashed out, tweeting, "Disappointed at the arrogant and negative response by India to my call for resumption of the peace dialogue. However, all my life I have come across small men occupying big offices who do not have the vision to see the larger picture.”

This time too, Imran Khan later retracted clarifying he never meant this for the Indian PM.

But there's been a pattern to his public posturing, denials and doublespeak. In December this year, Pakistan, under its new prime minister, did it again. After the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan, which was attended by Indian ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri, Pakistan’s foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi controversially said, "Imran Khan delivered a googly and India sent two ministers to Pakistan."

Qureshi's remark came after India refused to attend the next SAARC summit, citing cross-border terrorism. 
While Imran extended a hand of friendship with the opening of the corridor for Sikh pilgrims from India, he insulted India with the presence of pro-Khalistan activist Gopal Singh Chawla at the ceremony - a man believed to be close to terrorist Hafiz Saeed, the 26/11 mastermind.

Not to forget, the ceremony was also attended by Pakistan's army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa who was also seen greeting Chawla warmly on the sidelines of the function.

Soon after coming to power, Imran promised on national television that his government will grant citizenship to the Pakistani-born children of the country’s roughly 2.5 million Afghan refugees.

But after strong push-back by nationalists, the military and his own coalition partners, the prime minister did a U-turn saying there was no decision yet.

The celebrity cricketer began his term by shunning the trappings of state, promising to turn opulence into austerity. It started with trimming the PM's motorcade, to selling buffaloes at his residence.

It was clear that personal austerity was going to feature high on Khan’s agenda.

But there seemed little logic then in his refusal to live in Islamabad - if his daily helicopter rides from a personal hill estate would cost even more.

His government's argument that it cost just about the same as a cab drive drew further flak.

With the economy in shambles, Imran vowed to set it right. He was also seen as vociferously against another IMF bailout - the 12th for Pakistan. Initial brainstorming sessions, however, have done little more than planning loans from friendly nations such as China, Saudi Arabia.

But he has constantly flip-flopped on the IMF deal as well.

While he started his tenure on a stream of promises, deliverables have been limited.

Imran's bravest appointment has also been reversed under pressure from the Islamists.

Two days after Fawad Chaudhry announced the appointment of Atif Mian, an Ahmadi Muslim and Princeton professor named by the IMF as one of the top 25 young economists in the world as an economic advisor, Imran’s party asked Mian to step down.

Then came the much-publicised case of Asia Bibi - a Christian woman accused of blasphemy under the country's stringent laws. She was finally allowed by the courts to be free, but it was done under immense international pressure.

The Imran Khan government first welcomed the decision, promised protection to her, and agreed to send her out of the country. But after widespread protests from hardliners, he buckled under pressure. Asia Bibi would not be allowed the leave the country and the Pakistan government would appeal against the case.

But what has been clear from the beginning is that Imran Khan is the choice of the army.

Even before the elections, there were wide-scale allegations of rigging in the elections that delivered Imran victory and sent his predecessor Nawaz Sharif, a popular politician, to jail.

Imran has been seen cozying up to the Pakistan military on several occasions. However, his popularity with the army doesn't do him any good with the US.

The Trump administration has drastically scaled down on aide and this year confirmed it will cut $300 million in aid to Pakistan over its failure to tackle terror groups.

So, while Imran Khan will have to shape a new trajectory in his relationship with the US, it remains to be seen if he can change the narrative in Pakistan’s ties with India.

Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan became the prime minister of Pakistan after being on the periphery of political power circles for 20-odd years. The firebrand nationalist promised radical change, saying he would redistribute wealth, hold the country’s political elite accountable, make more people pay taxes, improve the lives of the poor, bring Pakistan out of its debt burden and improve ties with neighbours and strategically reposition his country.

Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan became the prime minister of Pakistan after being on the periphery of political power circles for 20-odd years. The firebrand nationalist promised radical change, saying he would redistribute wealth, hold the country’s political elite accountable, make more people pay taxes, improve the lives of the poor, bring Pakistan out of its debt burden and improve ties with neighbours and strategically reposition his country. So has Imran Khan delivered on his promises or buckled under pressure from the army and the deep state? Shortly after coming to power, Imran wrote a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a meeting of the foreign ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly elections. But a day later, Pakistan terrorists killed an Indian soldier and three policemen, while the Imran Khan government released stamps glorifying terrorist Burhan Wani. India rejected the offer of talks with foreign minister Sushma Swaraj clearly saying talks and terror cannot go together, and that India needed action before any meeting could take place. Snubbed by India, Imran lashed out, tweeting, "Disappointed at the arrogant and negative response by India to my call for resumption of the peace dialogue. However, all my life I have come across small men occupying big offices who do not have the vision to see the larger picture.” This time too, Imran Khan later retracted clarifying he never meant this for the Indian PM. But there's been a pattern to his public posturing, denials and doublespeak. In December this year, Pakistan, under its new prime minister, did it again. After the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan, which was attended by Indian ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri, Pakistan’s foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi controversially said, "Imran Khan delivered a googly and India sent two ministers to Pakistan." Qureshi's remark came after India refused to attend the next SAARC summit, citing cross-border terrorism. While Imran extended a hand of friendship with the opening of the corridor for Sikh pilgrims from India, he insulted India with the presence of pro-Khalistan activist Gopal Singh Chawla at the ceremony - a man believed to be close to terrorist Hafiz Saeed, the 26/11 mastermind. Not to forget, the ceremony was also attended by Pakistan's army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa who was also seen greeting Chawla warmly on the sidelines of the function. Soon after coming to power, Imran promised on national television that his government will grant citizenship to the Pakistani-born children of the country’s roughly 2.5 million Afghan refugees. But after strong push-back by nationalists, the military and his own coalition partners, the prime minister did a U-turn saying there was no decision yet. The celebrity cricketer began his term by shunning the trappings of state, promising to turn opulence into austerity. It started with trimming the PM's motorcade, to selling buffaloes at his residence. It was clear that personal austerity was going to feature high on Khan’s agenda. But there seemed little logic then in his refusal to live in Islamabad - if his daily helicopter rides from a personal hill estate would cost even more. His government's argument that it cost just about the same as a cab drive drew further flak. With the economy in shambles, Imran vowed to set it right. He was also seen as vociferously against another IMF bailout - the 12th for Pakistan. Initial brainstorming sessions, however, have done little more than planning loans from friendly nations such as China, Saudi Arabia. But he has constantly flip-flopped on the IMF deal as well. While he started his tenure on a stream of promises, deliverables have been limited. Imran's bravest appointment has also been reversed under pressure from the Islamists. Two days after Fawad Chaudhry announced the appointment of Atif Mian, an Ahmadi Muslim and Princeton professor named by the IMF as one of the top 25 young economists in the world as an economic advisor, Imran’s party asked Mian to step down. Then came the much-publicised case of Asia Bibi - a Christian woman accused of blasphemy under the country's stringent laws. She was finally allowed by the courts to be free, but it was done under immense international pressure. The Imran Khan government first welcomed the decision, promised protection to her, and agreed to send her out of the country. But after widespread protests from hardliners, he buckled under pressure. Asia Bibi would not be allowed the leave the country and the Pakistan government would appeal against the case. But what has been clear from the beginning is that Imran Khan is the choice of the army. Even before the elections, there were wide-scale allegations of rigging in the elections that delivered Imran victory and sent his predecessor Nawaz Sharif, a popular politician, to jail. Imran has been seen cozying up to the Pakistan military on several occasions. However, his popularity with the army doesn't do him any good with the US. The Trump administration has drastically scaled down on aide and this year confirmed it will cut $300 million in aid to Pakistan over its failure to tackle terror groups. So, while Imran Khan will have to shape a new trajectory in his relationship with the US, it remains to be seen if he can change the narrative in Pakistan’s ties with India.

Imran Khan, Pakistan army's new pawn

Former Pakistani prime minister and the president of the Pakistani Muslim League (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif chose his brother who is the current Chief Minister of the Punjab province (Pakistan), Shahbaz Sharif as the (PML)-N&rsquo;s prime ministerial candidate for the 2018 elections. The decision was made during the course of a meeting with senior leaders of the PML-N at Nawaz&rsquo;s Jatti Umra residence on December 20, 2017.

&nbsp;

There will be those who argue that this was very much expected, given the nature of dynastic politics, in general, and the family-centered politics of the PML-N in particular. There is some truth in this, yet it would be important to bear a few facts in mind.

&nbsp;

First, Nawaz Sharif&rsquo;s choice sends a clear message, that the reported strain between both brothers was caused, largely, by the ambitions of their respective children, Maryam Nawaz (daughter of Nawaz Sharif) and Hamza Shahbaz (son of Shahbaz Sharif). But much of the sources, Sharif claims, have been addressed at least for the time being. It would be pertinent to mention, that after the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif was expected to be the natural choice as his successor &ndash; both as prime minister and president.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

After his disqualification to hold Public Office by the Pakistan Supreme Court, Nawaz did name Shahbaz Sharif as his successor. Straining relations between both sides, however, resulted in Nawaz choosing current incumbent Abbasi as the interim prime minister. While the reason cited for not appointing Shahbaz as the prime minister in July 2017 was that the party wanted him to remain in Punjab and take care of the implementation of some key projects. A number of analysts believed, that if Shahbaz took over as the prime minister, Hamza Shahbaz would have become the Chief Minister of Punjab.&nbsp; Another point cited to reiterate the strains between Nawaz and Shahbaz families was the point that Hamza was not made in charge of the bye-election of Kulsoom Nawaz which was vacated as a result of Nawaz Sharif&rsquo;s resignation from Parliament

&nbsp;

During the meeting on December 20, Nawaz Sharif did allude to Shahbaz Sharif&rsquo;s differences with the party over certain issues. While of course, praising him for his commitment to the party.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

He said: &lsquo;Shahbaz has always worked to further the party policies for public welfare and this unflagging attitude earned him the opportunity to be trusted for a higher office. We are a democratic political party where everyone is free to voice their mind. Shahbaz has had 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,&rdquo;

&nbsp;

By choosing Shahbaz, Nawaz has arrested any further deterioration in ties between both brothers, but also any sort of rebellion, since a number of senior leaders in the PNL-N,&nbsp; have been uncomfortable with the rise of Nawaz&rsquo; daughter, Maryam Nawaz. Apart from the fact, that she is inexperienced, Maryam is also one of the accused in the Panama Papers case.

&nbsp;

If one were to look beyond the politics of the Sharif family, and the dynamics of the PML-N, Shahbaz&rsquo; is important at a time when ties between the civilian government and military are at a low point. Shahbaz is more acceptable to the army, and has a better relationship than Nawaz.

&nbsp;

In the past, Nawaz Sharif would have gone the whole hog against the army, but a mellowed and mature Nawaz Sharif realises that any sort of clash will not help the country either politically or economically, and the military too would seek to cash in on the corruption cases against Nawaz.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The establishment (Army and ISI) has played a role, not just in the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, but it has also propped up the Milli Muslim League (a front of Lashkar-e-Taiba, LeT), yet publically it has been making the right noises. One of the important steps taken by the Army Chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa, was his briefing to a parliamentary committee on December 19, 2017. The briefing included a discussion of important national security issues, ties with India, the outcome of Army Chief&rsquo;s foreign visits and the Saudi-led military alliance of Muslim countries. The army chief also stated that the Army would back the government&rsquo;s initiatives to improve ties with India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Pakistani army has always been good at PR exercises, and it realiSes that while there is disillusion with democratic forces, any sort of official take over, may not be taken to well by the Pakistani citizens. The recent moves by the army chief also seem to be in a similar direction.

&nbsp;

Third, Shahbaz is known for his stellar governance record in Punjab, and is a trusted face with the voters in a PML-N vs. PPP. Nawaz Sharif made mention of this during the meeting with senior PPP leaders. Shahbaz Sharif has been able to not just bring in some big infrastructural projects but has also been successful in implementing welfare schemes as well as citizen-friendly initiatives.

&nbsp;

Fourth, Shahbaz has close ties with a number of key countries. This includes China, GCC countries and Turkey. China has repeatedly praised Shahbaz Sharif for his administrative skills. With some dexterity, he may also be able to do some damage control in the context of ties with the US, which have witnessed a downward spiral.&nbsp; In the past, Shahbaz, as chief minister of Punjab, has tried to play a positive role in Indo-Pak peace efforts.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;In conclusion, PML-N Nawaz Sharif needs to be commended for making the correct decision. At this point, Shahbaz Sharif is the best bet for the PML-N as well as of Pakistan. Yet, PML-N would do well to become more consultative, and also address some of the genuine misgivings of the party. Shahbaz Sharif too will have to be more democratic in his functioning. While even his rivals confess that Sharif is a sound administrator, his style of functioning has been dubbed as abrasive at times.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Former Pakistani prime minister and the president of the Pakistani Muslim League (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif chose his brother who is the current Chief Minister of the Punjab province (Pakistan), Shahbaz Sharif as the (PML)-N?s prime ministerial candidate for the 2018 elections.

Former Pakistani prime minister and the president of the Pakistani Muslim League (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif chose his brother who is the current Chief Minister of the Punjab province (Pakistan), Shahbaz Sharif as the (PML)-N’s prime ministerial candidate for the 2018 elections. The decision was made during the course of a meeting with senior leaders of the PML-N at Nawaz’s Jatti Umra residence on December 20, 2017. There will be those who argue that this was very much expected, given the nature of dynastic politics, in general, and the family-centered politics of the PML-N in particular. There is some truth in this, yet it would be important to bear a few facts in mind. First, Nawaz Sharif’s choice sends a clear message, that the reported strain between both brothers was caused, largely, by the ambitions of their respective children, Maryam Nawaz (daughter of Nawaz Sharif) and Hamza Shahbaz (son of Shahbaz Sharif). But much of the sources, Sharif claims, have been addressed at least for the time being. It would be pertinent to mention, that after the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif was expected to be the natural choice as his successor – both as prime minister and president. After his disqualification to hold Public Office by the Pakistan Supreme Court, Nawaz did name Shahbaz Sharif as his successor. Straining relations between both sides, however, resulted in Nawaz choosing current incumbent Abbasi as the interim prime minister. While the reason cited for not appointing Shahbaz as the prime minister in July 2017 was that the party wanted him to remain in Punjab and take care of the implementation of some key projects. A number of analysts believed, that if Shahbaz took over as the prime minister, Hamza Shahbaz would have become the Chief Minister of Punjab. Another point cited to reiterate the strains between Nawaz and Shahbaz families was the point that Hamza was not made in charge of the bye-election of Kulsoom Nawaz which was vacated as a result of Nawaz Sharif’s resignation from Parliament During the meeting on December 20, Nawaz Sharif did allude to Shahbaz Sharif’s differences with the party over certain issues. While of course, praising him for his commitment to the party. He said: ‘Shahbaz has always worked to further the party policies for public welfare and this unflagging attitude earned him the opportunity to be trusted for a higher office. We are a democratic political party where everyone is free to voice their mind. Shahbaz has had 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,” By choosing Shahbaz, Nawaz has arrested any further deterioration in ties between both brothers, but also any sort of rebellion, since a number of senior leaders in the PNL-N, have been uncomfortable with the rise of Nawaz’ daughter, Maryam Nawaz. Apart from the fact, that she is inexperienced, Maryam is also one of the accused in the Panama Papers case. If one were to look beyond the politics of the Sharif family, and the dynamics of the PML-N, Shahbaz’ is important at a time when ties between the civilian government and military are at a low point. Shahbaz is more acceptable to the army, and has a better relationship than Nawaz. In the past, Nawaz Sharif would have gone the whole hog against the army, but a mellowed and mature Nawaz Sharif realises that any sort of clash will not help the country either politically or economically, and the military too would seek to cash in on the corruption cases against Nawaz. The establishment (Army and ISI) has played a role, not just in the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, but it has also propped up the Milli Muslim League (a front of Lashkar-e-Taiba, LeT), yet publically it has been making the right noises. One of the important steps taken by the Army Chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa, was his briefing to a parliamentary committee on December 19, 2017. The briefing included a discussion of important national security issues, ties with India, the outcome of Army Chief’s foreign visits and the Saudi-led military alliance of Muslim countries. The army chief also stated that the Army would back the government’s initiatives to improve ties with India. The Pakistani army has always been good at PR exercises, and it realiSes that while there is disillusion with democratic forces, any sort of official take over, may not be taken to well by the Pakistani citizens. The recent moves by the army chief also seem to be in a similar direction. Third, Shahbaz is known for his stellar governance record in Punjab, and is a trusted face with the voters in a PML-N vs. PPP. Nawaz Sharif made mention of this during the meeting with senior PPP leaders. Shahbaz Sharif has been able to not just bring in some big infrastructural projects but has also been successful in implementing welfare schemes as well as citizen-friendly initiatives. Fourth, Shahbaz has close ties with a number of key countries. This includes China, GCC countries and Turkey. China has repeatedly praised Shahbaz Sharif for his administrative skills. With some dexterity, he may also be able to do some damage control in the context of ties with the US, which have witnessed a downward spiral. In the past, Shahbaz, as chief minister of Punjab, has tried to play a positive role in Indo-Pak peace efforts. In conclusion, PML-N Nawaz Sharif needs to be commended for making the correct decision. At this point, Shahbaz Sharif is the best bet for the PML-N as well as of Pakistan. Yet, PML-N would do well to become more consultative, and also address some of the genuine misgivings of the party. Shahbaz Sharif too will have to be more democratic in his functioning. While even his rivals confess that Sharif is a sound administrator, his style of functioning has been dubbed as abrasive at times. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: What can India, Pakistan and US expect from Shahbaz Sharif?