Shahid Khaqan says resigned from party position the day Maryam appointed SVP

Former prime minister and PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Wednesday revealed that he had resigned the day Maryam Nawaz was appointed Senior Vice President.

Talking on a private TV channel's show, Abbasi said he had tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif the day he notified Maryam Nawaz as Party’s Senior Vice President and chief organiser.

However, Abbasi said he did it in good faith because he wanted to support Maryam as there is always a chance of a difference of opinion on different matters.

Abbasi cited examples of former premier Benazir Bhutto who was given a hard time by ‘uncles’ and former senior PPP members and paralysed her government.

Abbasi said the matter has been revealed now as he discussed his resignation as a passing remark with a journalist and he made it a headline the next day. He said it was the prerogative of the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to task the duties to anyone without consulting any senior leader.

He said he was never after the party positions and was given the responsibility in 2019 after he was named prime minister.

He said he was with the party for the last 35 years and his loyalty to the party is unquestionable.

On a question, he said he did not mind if Maryam had not consulted him over the party’s reorganization after her return as she is free to take advice from whomever she trusts or is comfortable with.

Abbasi refused to give a straight answer about whether he will contest the next general election. However, he made it clear that if he contests the next elections, he will contest it on PML-N’s ticket.