NEW DELHI: A major rift has emerged inside Pakistan’s ruling PML-N as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faces strong objections from his elder brother and party founder, Nawaz Sharif, over what is perceived as excessive concessions to the Pakistan Army. According to Indian officials, Nawaz and his daughter Maryam are increasingly frustrated with Shehbaz for allowing Field Marshal Asim Munir significant freedom in key military decisions.
Shehbaz is expected to return to Islamabad on Wednesday to finalise the notification for the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). Nawaz, however, insists that the government—not the Army—must control appointments to sensitive posts. Disagreements have intensified over the selections for Vice Chief of Army Staff and Commander of the National Strategic Command, pushing relations between the brothers to a breaking point.
Observers note that Nawaz still wields strong influence within the PML-N, and Shehbaz’s position as Prime Minister largely depends on his backing. Many party leaders share Nawaz’s concern that Shehbaz’s accommodating stance towards Munir risks making the civilian leadership appear subordinate to the military.
This internal conflict comes at a time when public sentiment is already critical of the Army’s political influence, especially following the treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Intelligence agencies warn that the growing divide between the Sharifs and the military establishment may fuel further instability in Pakistan.
