PPP is confident that PML-Q will fully support the Opposition in the much-touted no-confidence move against the government. In fact, PPP’s Punjab Secretary-General Syed Hassan Murtaza claimed that PML-Q’s Chaudhry Pervaiz will soon take the oath as Punjab Chief Minister.
While addressing a press conference, Hassan Murtaza gave Chaudhry Pervaiz a very high endorsement. He said the PML-Q leader is ready to become the next CM of Punjab.
“Chaudhry Parvez Elahi’s sherwani (the dress traditionally worn by politicians on formal occassions) is ready. He will soon take oath as the Punjab chief minister. Just wait for the final announcement,” said the PPP leader.
Important to note, the PPP’s support for Chaudhry Pervaiz as the CM of Punjab is in stark contrast to PML-N’s stance regarding the matter. To clarify, PML-N leaders have said that the CM Punjab post cannot be given to PML-Q.
Read more: PML-N not ready to give Punjab CM seat to PML-Q?
On the other hand, both PPP and JUI-F put forth the option of offering the seat of Punjab CM to Pervaiz Elahi of PML-Q. Moreover, the PML-Q, in a recent meeting with PPP Co-Chairperson Asif Zardari, directly demanded the Punjab CM seat, sources revealed. This certainly puts the Opposition at crossroads with PPP heading one way, and PML-N the other.
PPP and PML-N leadership in Lahore to workout a joint political strategy. So far, they haven’t been successful to mount an effective joint front. Will it be any different this time ? pic.twitter.com/NEBKaM4V0r
— Salman Masood (@salmanmasood) February 5, 2022
PML-Q to continue supporting PTI?
Interestingly, PML-Q openly assured the PTI government of support. The PML-Q guaranteed full support to foil the joint Opposition’s efforts for bringing a no-trust motion against the PTI-led government in the Centre and Punjab in a recent meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Additionally, there are also reports that PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif complained about Chaudhry Pervaiz’s lack of response. According to reports, Shehbaz Sharif, while in a meeting with Asif Zardari and Maulana Fazlur Rehman objected to PML-Q.
“Maulana Sahab, on your request, I invited Pervaiz Elahi for lunch, but he refused,” sources quoted Shehbaz Sharif.
Read more: Opposition pins hope for no-trust move on PTI members?
While PML-N may remain reluctant, PPP certainly believes that Pervaiz Elahi will be the next CM Punjab. Syed Murtaza said in his press conference that Asif Zardari will make the final decision regarding the matter.
“The government’s allies are in contact with the PPP. The ruling PTI will soon be dented, as those claiming the government as theirs will not be with it,” he said.
CM Buzdar not too worred
As the Opposition prepares for the no-trust move, the current Chief Minister of Punjab is not too worried. He said the Opposition is headed for defeat.
Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said the PTI government is taking every possible step to provide relief to masses, whereas the opposition, by indulging in politics of anarchy, is exposing itself. He said that no-trust move holds no weightage, as the opposition neither had majority in number-game earlier nor it would have now.
On the other hand, the Opposition resolutely maintains that it has the required number for the no-trust move. Interestingly, the PML-N actually claimed that estranged PTI MNAs will complete the numbers.