The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has unveiled plans for a robust public outreach campaign aimed at revitalizing its grassroots support and reorganizing its structure in Punjab, the party’s traditional stronghold. Announced by Punjab PML-N President Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday outside Jati Umra, the initiative signals a strategic push to consolidate power ahead of future political challenges.
Speaking to journalists, Sanaullah revealed that he would personally spearhead the campaign, which is initially limited to Punjab but could expand nationwide pending approval from party supremo Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. “This is about reconnecting with the people and strengthening our base,” Sanaullah said. “Once completed, I’ll present a detailed report to Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz for review.” He hinted at broader ambitions, noting that Nawaz Sharif’s upcoming tours to other provinces might include large-scale public rallies to extend the campaign’s momentum.
The announcement comes amid a shifting political landscape in Pakistan, with the PML-N seeking to counter the narrative of its rivals, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Addressing the ongoing incarceration of PTI founder Imran Khan, Sanaullah dismissed speculation about external intervention. Commenting on a recent visit by US doctors, he said, “There’s no evidence they raised any demands about his release. It seems they were only checking on his health.”
Sanaullah also took aim at PTI’s social media presence, acknowledging the right to free expression while condemning what he called the party’s “abusive brigade.” “Everyone can voice their views online, but PTI’s toxic approach disrupts constructive debate,” he remarked. The PML-N leader’s comments reflect growing concerns over the role of digital platforms in shaping Pakistan’s polarized political discourse.
In a swipe at Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Sanaullah criticized his absence from the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25), held in Islamabad on Tuesday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had inaugurated the two-day event, urging investors to tap into Pakistan’s untapped mineral wealth. “A chief minister’s job is to represent his province at such forums,” Sanaullah said. “By skipping it, Gandapur is shirking his constitutional duties.”
The PML-N leader also called for an end to politically motivated cases, a stance he said the party has maintained since 2018. “We’ve always pushed for dialogue over confrontation,” he emphasized. “The question is: who’s unwilling to negotiate?” While he refrained from directly naming PTI, the implication was clear.
Responding to water-sharing tensions with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Sanaullah rejected claims that Punjab was encroaching on Sindh’s resources. “Not a single drop of Sindh’s water is being taken by Punjab,” he asserted, blaming Sindh’s nationalist factions for stoking division. He expressed confidence that talks with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto would resolve the dispute amicably.
On Imran Khan’s political trajectory, Sanaullah argued that negotiations with the military establishment alone wouldn’t suffice. “The PTI founder must engage with political parties for any meaningful resolution,” he said. As the PML-N gears up for its Punjab campaign, the party appears intent on projecting unity and pragmatism while challenging its opponents to meet them at the table.
