ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah expressed confidence in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) securing victory in the upcoming general elections, stating that the party has officially launched its election campaign.
Speaking to the media in Faisalabad on Sunday, Sanaullah affirmed, “We will win the elections. Free and transparent elections will be held this year, and the National Assembly will complete its constitutional term.”
Election Standoff and Negotiations
The minister’s remarks come amid the ongoing standoff over the Supreme Court’s verdict mandating elections in Punjab by May 14. The government, led by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), has opposed the court’s directive and continues discussions with the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to reach consensus on simultaneous polls across the country.
Although both sides agree in principle to conduct elections on a single date under a caretaker setup, no consensus has been reached on the election timeline. Both negotiating teams have submitted separate reports to the Supreme Court, reflecting the deadlock.
Rana Sanaullah reiterated the federal government’s stance, asserting, “We are not ready to hold general elections even one day before the stipulated time just to meet PTI’s demands.”
PML-N’s Electoral Strategy and Nawaz Sharif’s Return
Sanaullah highlighted the PML-N’s decision to contest the elections independently rather than forming an alliance. The party plans to launch its nationwide campaign on May 28, coinciding with Youm-e-Takbeer, commemorating the nuclear tests conducted under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif in 1998.
He also confirmed that the PML-N supremo, Nawaz Sharif, who has been in self-imposed exile in London since 2019, will return to Pakistan before the elections. “Nawaz Sharif’s return will galvanize the party’s momentum and re-establish the connection with the public,” Sanaullah added.
Criticism of Imran Khan and PTI
The interior minister criticized PTI Chairman Imran Khan for his threats to stage nationwide protests if elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are not held within 90 days of the dissolution of their assemblies.
Referring to PTI’s May 2022 long march on Islamabad, Sanaullah remarked, “He threatened us last year in May too… but on May 25, he [Imran Khan] couldn’t even find a way to escape.”
Sanaullah also urged the public to reject Imran Khan politically, saying, “People should use their power of the vote to minus him from politics. We will deal with him first, and then head into the polls.”
Recent Developments
The decision to run independently in the elections emerged following a meeting between Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in London. The younger Sharif had traveled to attend the Coronation of King Charles III and used the opportunity to discuss election strategies with his elder brother.
The PML-N’s commitment to holding polls strictly in line with constitutional mandates underscores their confidence in gaining public support, as the party braces for a heated electoral battle.