PML (N) leader no more remains the Prime Minister of Pakistan. President of Pakistan will ask the party in charge to nominate an interim PM as per the orders of the SC. PM came up with the name of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as interim Prime Minister.
A Bit About Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s political career came to full circle after the death of his father back in April 1988. He got his first success to become a member of the national assembly by winning the election the same year. At the start of his political career, he began his election campaign as an independent and later joining Islami Jamhoori Ittehad. He got reelected in 1990 while remaining with the same party and became Parliamentary Sectary for Defense.
Joining PML (N)
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi came to PML (N) ranks by winning 1993 General Elections. At this time, he was assigned the position of Chairman of the Standing Committee of National Assembly for defense. He won the 1997 General Elections. However, the famous plane hijacking case would temporarily put a stop to his political career.
He had an unsuccessful election year in 2002. However, his attempt went to waste. He came back with his win in 2008 while his party could not attain a majority in the parliament. In the coalition government, he became Federal Minister for Commerce. PML (N)’s later decision to get out of the coalition government made his tenure short.
In 2013 General Elections, he got elected again from his constituency in Rawalpindi. He was given the charge of Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources.
Wealth & Family Background
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is one of the wealthiest politicians in Pakistan. He owns assets worth over PKR 1.3 billion. The list of his valuable assets includes shares in Airblue Limited, a house in Islamabad, properties in Murree, and restaurant business.
He is the son of PAF’s retired Air Commodore. His father entered into politics back in Zia’s era. His father got killed in the Ojhri Camp incident.
Challenge to His Opponents
The expected interim PM has challenged his rivals. On possessing Iqama, he said that there was no in having one. He termed it just a visa. Furthermore, he stated that he has already declared his assets. So anyone who has an interest can find the details in Pakistan Gazette. Similarly, he ruled out the possibility of the military behind the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif. While responding to a question of having Chaudhry Nisar in the new cabinet, he said that the Interior Minister remains an important part of the party. And he and the party see him in that way.
NAB Inquiry a Big Challenge for the New Interim Prime Minister
There is an inquiry in progress against Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in NAB. A NAB reference alleges him for corruption to a tune of of PKR 220 billion. He is the principal accused in the case that terms the awarding of the LNG contract as suspicious. Therefore, opposition parties are already weighing their legal options to challenge his nomination. A petition against his candidacy is already with the Supreme Court’s Lahore Registry. The petition argues that he cannot become Prime Minister of the country due to conflict of interest. He is already the owner of Airblue . The plea also gives references of the cases against him in FIA and NAB.
Opposition Parties Disagree to Nominate Candidate for Interim Prime Minister
Two meetings have taken place so far. However, the opposition parties could not nominate a joint candidate. In about 30 minutes the opposition parties will sit again to choose a candidate. Sheikh Rashid’s name was circulating, but there were disagreements. At 3:00 PM today, the President of Pakistan will conduct a parliamentary session to elect the new leader.
 Nominates Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for Interim PM. However, he already has cases going against him so it will be a tough ask for him){kind=link}