LAHORE: The PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif chaired the formal party meeting at Jati Umra in Lahore for the first time in four years to chart his party’s course to power.

The huddle attended by the core party leadership discussed PML-N’s ties with other parties, particularly the PPP whom it aimed to placate ahead of polls likely in January.

The meeting also discussed the ‘re-launching’ of the elder Sharif, who would visit all provinces in November to breathe a new life into the party.

The PML-N is also planning to launch a new manifesto in line with the changing times. It has also decided to seek applications from potential candidates for upcoming elections by Nov 10.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal said, “We think at the end of January 2024, the elections will be held. The party will start receiving applications from interested candidates across the country from Wednesday (today) till Nov 10 and the central and provincial election boards be set up for award of tickets for upcoming polls.”

A manifesto committee under Senator Irfan Siddiqui has also been set up, he said, adding that the committee would focus on the judicial system and economy. When asked whether politicians’ decisions were taken by someone else, he said the PML-N was not looking up to someone (establishment) as it was making its decisions on its own.