PML-N won't accept 'minus-Nawaz' formula: Rana Sanaullah

LAHORE: The Punjab Law Minister and senior Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday said that the party will not accept the 'minus-Nawaz' formula. 

"We will not accept the minus-Nawaz formula, this was firmly our stance and shall remain to be so," Sanaullah stressed while talking on Geo News' Programme Geo Pakistan.

Responding to a question about a possible change in the party leadership, the provincial law minister said that Nawaz Sharif will continue to be the final authority for all decisions.

"Every member has the right to consult and express their opinions, but the final decisions will be taken by Nawaz Sharif," he said. 

He also denied the rumours of rifts within the PML-N, though former interior minister and senior PML-N leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, on Monday, openly admitted to the existence of issues in the party.

“If [members of the party] rise above personal interests, only then issues that exist within the party and even personal interests can be tended to,” Nisar had said in an informal conversation with the media.

PML-N needs to rise above personal interests: Nisar

“If party members rise above personal interests, only then internal party issues, personal interests can be tended to”

Sanaullah dismissed Nisar's statement by saying that the latter's opinions were 'his own' and only he could explain his statement best. 

"The party has shown [good] performance under Nawaz's leadership and shall continue to do so," he said, adding that Nawaz has never resorted to tactics like lockdowns and protests.

The provincial law minister said that the party had 'bowed down' to the Supreme Court's July 28 decision to disqualify Nawaz from holding public office but the party leadership had the right to disagree with the verdict.

"If Nawaz questions the decision or defends himself, how can that be termed as the politics of resistance?" Sanaullah said, responding to an allegation that the PML-N has resorted to the 'politics of resentment.' 

PML-N huddle in London decides minus-Nawaz formula not acceptable

Talking to media after arriving in London, former PM said a weak government results in a weak state

The PML-N leadership's high-level huddle in London on Monday had reiterated its support for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and said that a 'minus-Nawaz' formula was not acceptable.

The meeting was held at the residence of Hasan Nawaz and was attended by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Fawad Hasan Fawad.

Nawaz spoke to the media after the meeting and said that the Panama Papers trial was not fair and he 'understands' the current situation.

He had also rubbished rumours of any rifts within the party and declared that the party was united.  

The former premier had said that he would return to Pakistan on November 2 to appear before the accountability court.