Islamabad: PML-N’s Shahid Khaqan Abbasi confirmed that he had resigned as party’s senior Vice President in an effort to give Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz an “Open field”. Confirmation quoted Abbasi as saying that he had “Stepped down from party office within an hour of announcement” of Maryam’s elevation to roles of senior Vice President and Chief Organiser.

Story also quoted him as saying that he would “Continue to stay with PML-N until death”.

Addressing matter, Abbasi confirmed that he had sent his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif when Maryam was appointed, adding that he had expected party to announce development. He said that “Basic principle” behind move was that Maryam should be provided with an “Open field” as she assumed new responsibilities.

Giving example of former premier Benazir Bhutto, Abbasi said that her first stint in power suffered due to conflicts with her father’s contemporaries. He said that during Benazir’s second term, there were “Newer people” around which allowed her to move forward.

“That is why I think it appropriate that Maryam should get an open field and my being there was not appropriate for her or for me,” he said, adding that his presence as senior Vice President “Would’ve been an obstacle” for her. Abbasi further said that he had not discussed matter with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and had sent his resignation to PM Shehbaz, party’s President.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 02 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.