Concerned about being labeled as the "ladla (blue-eyed)" of the powerful military establishment by his political rivals, former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has instructed his party's new manifesto committee to address this issue prior to the upcoming general elections in February. The 73-year-old leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), who recently returned to Pakistan after four years of self-imposed exile, is preparing to lead his party in the polls scheduled for February 8, 2024.

Sharif is reportedly displeased with the narrative being spread by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which suggests that he holds a favored position within the military establishment and is expected to come back to power after being cleared of corruption charges. According to a PML-N official quoted by the Dawn newspaper, Sharif wishes to counter the impression of being the establishment's preferred candidate and address the 'ladla' tag.

To tackle this issue, Sharif has directed the party's new manifesto committee, which comprises over 40 members, to develop a narrative that rebuts these claims and challenges the perception of PML-N being the establishment's party. The committee has been given the task of creating a new manifesto that will appeal to the public, with proposals due by November 20. Meanwhile, the PTI, led by Imran Khan, has expressed concerns over the absence of a level playing field for all parties involved in the elections. Tensions between the PML-N and the PPP, another major political party in Pakistan, have also escalated, with the latter accusing the Nawaz-led party of having a hidden connection with the current caretaker administration.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari recently launched a scathing attack on the Sharifs, accusing them of colluding with the military establishment to regain power. He referred to the PML-N as a king's party, emphasizing the need to end the tradition of selecting and favoring specific politicians. As the February elections approach, Sharif's goal is to dispel the perception of being the military's favorite and assert his party's independence from external influences. The PML-N hopes to create a manifesto that resonates with the public and addresses their concerns over political transparency and fairness. With these efforts, Sharif aims to solidify his position as a viable candidate in the upcoming elections and regain the trust of the Pakistani electorate.