Former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair has announced his resignation from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), citing unspecified “reservations.” Speaking to Presstonight, Zubair did not detail the exact issues that led to his departure but mentioned that he would decide on his future political direction after consulting with friends.
Zubair joins other notable figures like former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and ex-Finance Minister Miftah Ismail in leaving the PML-N. Zubair has been openly critical of the current government formed after the February 8 elections and hinted at his dissatisfaction with the party leadership. He recently suggested that the PML-N should accept electoral defeat to allow the country to move forward.
While Zubair has not disclosed whether he plans to join another political party, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has moved to register a new political party, and Miftah Ismail supports forming a party focused on integrity and competence.
In his statements, Zubair emphasized his support for Nawaz Sharif’s stance of resistance against political pressures, contrasting it with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s reconciliatory approach. Despite his disagreements with the PML-N’s recent strategies, Zubair praised Nawaz for his support and opportunities provided within the party.
Zubair’s departure stems from his belief that the PML-N abandoned its principled politics following the no-trust vote against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, leading to a disappointing 16-month tenure that failed to deliver substantial achievements. He also highlighted the internal conflict between the party’s two narratives: resistance led by Nawaz and Maryam Nawaz, and reconciliation advocated by Shehbaz Sharif.
Muhammad Zubair’s Background
- Professional Career: Zubair spent 26 years at IBM, working in various capacities across Europe and the Middle East. He served as CFO for IBM Pakistan and later for IBM’s Middle East/Africa region.
- Political Career: He joined PML-N and held significant positions, including Chairman of the Board of Investment and Chairman of the Privatisation Commission. He also served as the spokesperson for Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz.
- Education: Zubair holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi. He also taught Financial Management at IBA from 1981 to 1986.
- Family: He is the son of General (retd) Ghulam Umar and the elder brother of former PTI leader Asad Umar.
Zubair remains committed to continuing his political career, though he has yet to decide under which platform or party.
