PML-Q’s support for the PTI government amid the no-confidence motion is a huge blow to the Opposition. According to PML-N leader Rana Sana Ullah, PML-Q sided with the government due to PML-Q leader and Federal Minister for Water Resources Moonis Elahi.
Earlier, PML-Q finally expressed support for the PTI government as the latter offered the post of Punjab Chief Minister to Pervaiz Elahi. The Opposition had also offered the same post to PML-Q who had consistently assured its support. However, PML-Q chose the government instead.
Regarding this, Rana Sana Ullah said the Chaudhry Brothers of PML-Q took such a decision for the first time in their political history. He also said it was because of Moonis Elahi.
While talking to the media, Rana Sana Ullah also claimed that they tried to persuade Moonis Elahi as getting the Punjab CM was difficult. However, Moonis Elahi said PML-Q will only remain silent if they got the Punjab CM seat.
Moreover, Rana Sana Ullah said that they submitted the no-confidence motion against Usman Buzdar at the suggestion of Ch. Pervaiz Elahi.
“We submitted the no-confidence motion because Pervaiz Elahi’s said so and PML-Q knew about this move,” the PML-N leader said.
Pertinent to mention, last month, Minister Moonis Elahi publicly rejected PML-Q joining the Opposition’s political misadventure against the PTI government. During his speech, Moonis Elahi directly addressed PM Khan and clarified PML-Q’s position and continued support for the PTI government. Now the Opposition thinks Moonis Elahi successfully managed to persuade PML-Q to stay with the government.
Read more: PML-Q not leaving government: Moonis Elahi
Rana Sanaullah has accused Moonis Elahi for sabotaging PMLN plans and for persuading PMLQ to stand with Imran Khan. I remember Moonis had made a commitment, "PM Ghabrana Nahi Hay" in a WAPDA Seminar; Moonis's stature has risen for showing the character to stand by his "words" https://t.co/kHmNt6NTVO
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) March 29, 2022
Rana Sana Ullah also said that PTI can not elect Chaudhry Pervez Elahi as Punjab chief minister.
“Majority of PTI members will not vote for Chaudhry Pervez Elahi including Aleem group and Tarin group,” he concluded.
Rifts in Opposition now?
While the Opposition maintains that it has the complete numbers to bring in the no-confidence motion against PM Khan, it appears that the loss of major support [PML-Q] certainly had an impact.
According to media sources, PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is reportedly unhappy with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif for delaying Punjab chief minister slot offer to Pervaiz Elahi.
Important to note, originally, PPP suggested offering the Punjab CM seat to PML-Q. PML-N refused at first, however, agreed later.
Read more: PML-N not ready to give Punjab CM seat to PML-Q?
PML-N delayed Punjab CM office decision which forced PML-Q to remain in alliance with PTI, sources said while quoting Zardari as saying.