In a recent statement, Senator Irfan Siddiqui has dismissed the notion that any “unseen power” or Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hindered the path of Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), from becoming the Prime Minister for a fourth time.

Speaking on Geo News program ‘Geo Pakistan,’ Siddiqui clarified that there was no truth to the baseless impression that Nawaz’s bid for the PM’s office was obstructed by either the party president or any undisclosed force.

Siddiqui recalled his meetings with Nawaz prior to the general elections held on February 8, 2024, stating that he had the impression that Nawaz himself did not aspire to become Prime Minister again. “I was present in the meeting where Nawaz Sharif announced to give the premiership to Shehbaz Sharif. Even if Nawaz had even 1% desire to become PM is there any power that could stop him from becoming the PM?”

The PML-N, which had built its election campaign around the return of Nawaz Sharif as a savior capable of addressing the country’s challenges and leading it towards prosperity, ultimately nominated Shehbaz Sharif as its prime ministerial candidate following the general elections. This move was seen by many as a reflection of Nawaz’s reluctance to lead a potentially weak coalition government amid the prevailing economic crises in the country.

Responding to queries, Senator Siddiqui clarified that if Nawaz Sharif is not occupying the prime minister’s chair, it does not imply that it is not a PML-N or Nawaz Sharif’s government “If Nawaz Sharif is not on the prime minister’s chair, is it not the PML-N or Nawaz Sharif’s government? It is PML-N and Nawaz Sharif’s government (in the power),”