PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday held telephonic talks to renew the anti-government efforts of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). As per media sources, Nawaz Sharif instructed Shehbaz Sharif to step up efforts in their anti-government campaign.
The talks come amid speculation by the media over a perceived difference in the two brothers’ approaches. Last year, Minister for Interior, Sheikh Rasheed said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would split into two factions. As a result, there will then be Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Muslim League-Shehbaz.
The talks between the two PML-N leaders also come ahead of a PDM meeting which will take place today. According to reports, the PDM will hold a meeting to decide on a future strategy against the PTI government.
Read more: I am not among those who flee the battleground, Imran Khan tells PDM
The PDM president, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, will chair the meeting in Islamabad, and top leaders of its component parties will attend.
However, it is unclear whether PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz would also be participating in the meeting or not.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto wished the alliance good luck, even though PPP quit PDM.
Furthermore, Bilawal Bhutto initially renewed calls for the Opposition to mount a no-trust bid against PM Khan and Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar.
“If the Opposition moves a no-confidence motion against [Prime Minister] Imran Khan and [Chief Minister Punjab] Usman Buzdar, then we can have the government ousted tomorrow,” Bilawal said in yesterday’s press conference.
Read more: Don’t criticize PDM, Bilawal advises party leaders
Why did PPP quit PDM?
After its formation in September 2020, PDM began to experience rifts, especially around the time of Senate elections. The disagreements were mainly between PML-N and PPP.
PPP appointed Yousaf Raza Gillani as the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. Gillani’s appointment drew the ire of PDM, which said that the move was made without a unanimous decision.
Angry #PPP announces to quit #PDM as differences deepen https://t.co/rNVFToatnL pic.twitter.com/aLWMueDyj7
— Daily Pakistan Global (@dailypakistangl) April 12, 2021
PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz maintained that at the time of the Senate chairman election, it was “decided” that with the PPP running for the seat, the PML-N will be given the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate position.
PPP, however, rounded up 30 senators to get its own candidate, Gillani appointed to the Opposition leader position.
PML-N then issued a show-cause notice to PPP which offended the latter. As a result, PPP quit PDM.
Read more: PDM issues show-cause notice to PPP: Will Bilawal reply?