Nawaz Sharif had bitter experiences in dealings with the military and presidency, probably more than anybody else. Some political analysts say there still persists a psychological barrier between the two state institutions and the Sharifs are conscious of the fact. A palpable advantage of Nawaz Sharif in the presidency would be that he would ward off all machinations and set the stage for the PML-N government to complete its term.
Second, despite being a ceremonial office after the 18th Amendment, Nawaz Sharif would still be very much in the system, more influential than even the PM, as indicated by the experience of the last five years. He would be the one wielding veto rights in all important political and strategic matters.
Nawaz Sharif is already very relaxed, exhibiting a laid-back approach in running the government, as though his heart is after something else. He has confided to some close friends that he finds no charm any more in being Prime Minister.
Shahbaz Sharif is everywhere, in Islamabad and in Lahore. He is at every important meeting, even instrumental in organising some important meetings featuring the Prime Minister and others. Prime Minister Sharif took him to ISI headquarters when no other chief minister was invited. It seems that he spends more time in the federal capital than in the provincial capital, visiting Islamabad sometimes twice a day. His official helicopter has made his life easier, making it possible to travel so frequently to Islamabad. Within the party, there are murmurs that Shahbaz Sharif enjoys all the limelight by design.
Third, Nawaz Sharif still will be on top, enjoying all the perks and protocol and interacting with heads of state. As such, the prospect of becoming President sounds a highly attractive one for Sharif. But there are disadvantages as well. Who will be the Prime Minister will be a primary concern. Keeping all the big offices within the clan would not be a good idea, but then again there can be hardly any interest more important than the party’s interest.
In case the Sharifs do not pick any one from the family, then their choice could be from the smaller provinces. Sources revealed that initially the Sharifs are considering the name of Sartaj Aziz, Zafar Iqbal Jhagra, Mehtab Abbasi and Ghous Ali Shah.
It is learnt that the Sharifs in a meeting in Islamabad on Friday added to this list some more names. They are former Sindh governor Mamnoon Hussain Qazi and Justice Saeeduz Zaman Siddiqui (Retd). Party sources say Mamnoon Qazi, Justice Siddiqui and Sartaj Aziz are the favourites right now.
The PPP has nominated senator Mian Raza Rabbani as its candidate for the forthcoming presidential election. PPP leader Makhdoom Amin Fahim said the party leadership and workers have reposed confidence in Senator Raza Rabbani.
The Election Commission of Pakistan has meanwhile rejected the government’s request to postpone the presidential polls, saying the elections will be held on August 6 as scheduled. The ECP said the elections can only be rescheduled if ordered by the Supreme Court.