No search for a so-called “wonder boy” to replace Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is underway, media reports quoted sources as saying, adding that the relationship, understanding and mutual respect between the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal remain “perfect,” as they were before.
Additionally, the source rejected rumors that a “wonder boy” was required as part of a supposed “grand plan.”
These conversations gained traction following a recent piece by senior journalist and Jang columnist Suhail Warraich, who claimed without offering any solid evidence that although Shehbaz Sharif might be “gold,” the current situation calls for a “diamond” rather than gold in order to reverse years of neglect.
In the column, Warraich maintained that even if such aspirations are not realised, there is no restriction on expressing them.
He further suggested that some quarters desire a federal cabinet similar to Bangladesh’s, comprising PhD holders recognised as authorities in their respective fields and educated at reputable institutions worldwide.
The column triggered extensive debate across both mainstream and social media. Several observers felt the senior columnist had deliberately framed his arguments ambiguously to avoid provoking a direct reaction from influential quarters.
Well-informed sources, however, strongly disagreed with these interpretations, emphasizing that there is no basis to the speculation and no question of undermining the prime minister’s position or his working relationship with the military leadership.