Shahid named as interim PM, Shahbaz as successor to Nawaz

PML-N leaders, in meetings headed by ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, on Saturday decided to rally behind Nawaz’s younger brother, Shahbaz Sharif, as his eventual successor.

Additionally, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who was till Friday the petroleum minister, was tapped to take over as interim prime minister till the time Shahbaz is elected to parliament, and then to the prime minister’s office.

Shahbaz’s ascension to the prime minister’s office is considered to be a foregone conclusion, as the PML-N continues to hold a hefty majority in parliament and can independently vote him into office. He will also likely seek election to the National Assembly from Nawaz Sharif’s vacated seat, which is a PML-N stronghold.

As part of the agreed-on course of action, Shahbaz will also have to forego his seat in the Punjab Assembly and his successor will need to be chosen. Sources claim that Punjab Excise and Taxation Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman is likely to replace Shahbaz as the chief minister Punjab.

A formal announcement has yet to be made.

Source: DAWN