PML-N Supreme leader and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has allegedly expressed his anger at the party’s defeat in the recent by-elections.
According to media reports citing PML-N sources, Nawaz Sharif has issued a warning to the party’s ministers and officials over their poor performance in the election. He has also summoned an immediate report from the party’s top leadership over the defeat of the PML-N candidates in by-elections.
The October 16 by-elections were held in 3 provinces, 3 seats in the National Assembly and 3 seats in the Provincial Assembly were vacant in Punjab, while elections were held for 3 seats of the National Assembly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and candidates competed for 2 seats in the National Assembly in Sindh.
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PTI won six National Assembly seats and two Provincial Assembly seats meanwhile PML-N could only secure one seat of the provincial assembly despite being in governance. This is a huge defeat for PML-N, giving a hard hit to its political strength in Pakistan.
Citizens of Faisalabad are celebrating the defeat of PML-N from Rana Sanaullah's constituency.#ByElection2022#عوام_کی_جیت #بلے_پہ_ٹھپہ pic.twitter.com/OA1MP3MfEG
— Farid Malik (@StaunchInsafi) October 16, 2022
PML-N angry with Maryam Nawaz, Hamza Shehbaz?
As a result, party members and candidates are criticizing top PML-N leaders who failed to create a strong political campaign. According to sources, the party leaders and candidates have blamed Maryam Nawaz, Hamza Shehbaz, and other party leaders responsible for the defeat.
PML-N workers are criticizing the lack of participation by the party leadership meanwhile PTI Chairman Imran Khan held around 50 power shows across the country.
Maryam Nawaz, who is the PML-N Vice President, instead of leading the election campaign left for London, while Hamza did not even leave his home. On the other hand, Party president Shehbaz Sharif has no time for the party due to his responsibilities as the Prime Minister. The social media and the party wings have not been active, mostly owing to the inactive leadership
Read more: By-elections after resignation of 11 PTI MNAs
Moreover, price hike, heavy electricity bills, and the party’s compromising narrative have resulted in the defeat in elections.