Can t replace Nawaz Sharif: Shahbaz on becoming PML-N chief

Lahore March 13 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister and younger brother of Nawaz Sharif Shahbaz Sharif was elected unopposed the President of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz at a convention of the party s General Council on Tuesday.

In his first address after officially taking the reins of the party the younger Sharif said no one from the party can replace Nawaz Sharif -- the former Prime Minister who was ousted by the country s apex court last year.

PML-N leaders held a grand general convention on Tuesday to welcome the new party president.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Nawaz Sharif and other bigwigs of PML-N were also part of the convention.

Shehbaz Sharif took the stage and expressed his gratitude to Nawaz Sharif saying: "I have been selected as the President of the PML-N. It is an important but difficult task for me. I am aware of the responsibility that has been bestowed on me."

"Nawaz was our Quaid today tomorrow and forever " he added.

He further said that he understands that this is not just PML-N s fortune but the entire nation s that they have Nawaz Sharif as their leader.

Shehbaz said PML-N also "enjoys support from minorities ensuring us national security". He confidently stated that "(Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief) Imran Khan and (former co-chairperson of Pakistan People s Party Asif Ali) Zardari combined cannot defeat Nawaz under any circumstance".

He further added that "It is a huge opportunity for me that Nawaz has bestowed this challenge upon me. I am humbled and scared also but I will continue working hard with your blessings".

--IANS
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