By Zain Khan Watozai
Once the central figure of Pakistan’s political scene, Nawaz Sharif, the three-time prime minister and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), seems to have taken a backseat in recent months. With his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif serving as the prime minister and his daughter Maryam Nawaz now the Chief Minister of Punjab, Nawaz’s absence from the political limelight has left many wondering if he has quietly retired from active politics.
The Fallout from the 2024 General Elections
Nawaz Sharif’s diminished political presence became evident after the controversial 2024 General Elections. Initially, there were rumors that he had lost his own constituency to Dr. Yasmin Rashid of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as suggested by unofficial results on Form 45. However, it took two days for Nawaz to publicly announce his victory—leading many to question the credibility of the electoral process.
When PML-N secured a parliamentary majority, Nawaz Sharif was considered the obvious choice for the prime minister’s office. But his perceived political vulnerability, combined with controversies surrounding the election, rendered his position too weak. Consequently, the party nominated his brother Shehbaz Sharif for the premiership while agreeing to fulfill Nawaz’s demand that Maryam Nawaz be appointed Chief Minister of Punjab.
Maryam Nawaz and the Power Transition
Maryam Nawaz’s elevation to Punjab’s top political office has solidified her position as PML-N’s emerging leader. Her appointment is widely seen as a strategic move to secure Nawaz Sharif’s political legacy. However, it has also led to speculation that Nawaz is grooming Maryam for a larger role, signaling a potential exit from frontline politics for himself.
Absence from Political Decision-Making
Nawaz Sharif’s absence from significant political decision-making has fueled rumors about his retirement. Despite his pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s political history, he is conspicuously out of the picture, leaving Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz to handle the party’s affairs. His silence on major political issues and lack of active engagement in PML-N’s strategies have led many to believe he no longer calls the shots.
Has He Retired?
While there is no official announcement of Nawaz Sharif’s retirement, his current inactivity raises questions about whether he has voluntarily stepped back or if his influence has diminished due to political circumstances. Some analysts suggest that he is not in a position to assert control over PML-N’s direction, especially as Maryam and Shehbaz solidify their leadership roles. Others believe he is consciously transitioning into a behind-the-scenes role to ensure the stability of his family’s political dynasty.
What Lies Ahead?
Nawaz Sharif’s political future remains ambiguous. Whether he has retired or is simply preserving his energy for the next strategic move is unclear. For now, with Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister and Maryam Nawaz managing Punjab, it seems Nawaz has handed over the reins to his successors—intentionally or otherwise. His absence might indicate the end of his political era, but in Pakistan’s unpredictable political landscape, comebacks are never off the table.