Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who has chosen to keep a low profile after the 2024 polls, may continue to do so this year. Punjab, where his daughter Maryam Nawaz is the chief minister, will remain the focus of his attention until something ‘extraordinary’ — like the release of PTI chief Imran Khan — happens, insiders and political observers say.

Even his popular slogan of ‘Vote Ko Izzat Do’ seems to have been put into cold storage, possibly to avoid a confrontation with the military establishment — a strategy that appears to be paying off, at least for now. This political stance reflects the reality that his younger brother’s cordial relationship with the military is keeping the PML-N afloat.

Nawaz’s absence from the political frontlines also allows PM Shehbaz to govern without the added pressure of managing intra-party tensions, or external interference from the Nawaz camp. Although the PML-N president is consulted on every major decision, it is not necessary for his advice to prevail under the current scheme of things.

Given this dynamic, the elder Sharif appears to have recognised that any direct intervention on his part might disrupt this delicate balance and he simply cannot afford to create any trouble for his daughter, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Since the general elections, the elder Sharif has focused all his energies on his home province, as it represents not only the heartland of the PML-N’s voter base, but also the foundation for any future electoral ambitions, where Maryam’s performance could pave the way for a broader national resurgence.

It is argued that by stepping back from the limelight, the elder Sharif has allowed Maryam to emerge as the party’s new face, signalling a gradual transfer of power within the Sharif family.

A PML-N leader close to the Sharif family told Dawn that “Nawaz wants to see his daughter Maryam become prime minister in his lifetime. Till the next polls in 2029, she will be Nawaz’s main concern. He wants her to deliver in Punjab and position herself as the potential premier in the next polls,” the party leader added.

Pildat chief Ahmad Bilal Mehboob also believes that Nawaz Sharif is currently content with having his daughter as the chief executive in Punjab. “Besides, he is at an age where it was not possible for him to do the ‘push and pull’ required for running a government. His temperament to deal with the military establishment as PM was also not ideal,” Mr Mehboob said.

But, as the former premier chooses to avoid the media spotlight, the evolving political landscape could prompt his return to the national stage. Should circumstances shift — whether through judicial relief to his archrival Imran Khan, or a change in the military’s stance — the elder Sharif may find the impetus to reassert his influence more directly.

Besides, there are also reservations in the PML-N about the ‘passive’ role the former prime minister has confined himself to. According to a PML-N insider, party leaders did not want Nawaz to operate from the shadows. Instead, they believe he should assume command and control of the party to end the dichotomy between the federal and Punjab governments.

However, in 2025, any re-emergence by Nawaz may hinge on two key factors: the performance of CM Maryam in Punjab and the sustainability of PM Shehbaz’s relationship with the military establishment.

Until then, Nawaz’s legacy will continue to evolve quietly, shaped by his patience and willingness to adapt to Pakistan’s ever-shifting political currents.

The party insider also reveals that Nawaz has a strong desire that the military establishment destroys the ‘monster’ it has created. “In case at some point in time, the military establishment grants NRO (deal) to Imran Khan, paving the way for his release from jail, perhaps that will be the ideal moment for Nawaz Sharif to come out of political hibernation and raise the slogan of ‘vote ko izzat do’ once again to mobilise the public.”

Political and security commentator retired Brig Farooq Hameed opines that Nawaz Sharif is ageing and had lost the spark of the 1990s. “I doubt if he can make a comeback in active politics, like hectic political campaigning or addressing political rallies the way he used to do many years ago.”

According to the political analyst, since the Feb 8 elections, Nawaz has, in a few party meetings, continued his gripes over why he was disqualified in the 2017 Panama Papers case. He seems to live more in the past than in the present or future, he added.

“Nawaz Sharif is content to remain in the shadows. He understands his party’s controversial majority in parliament. He will be more than happy to see his daughter as Punjab CM, to keep the Jati Umra dynasty going. Surely, he will be dreaming of seeing his daughter one day as PM, just like President Asif Zardari may be desperate to see his son Bilawal Bhutto as PM in the near future.”

Many others, even those within the party, agree that Nawaz is no longer the leader he used to be. “Nawaz has finally chosen a convenient path, thanks to Imran’s popularity, and it seems he will continue treading it,” added the PML-N insider.

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2025