Rifts between the Opposition appear to intensify despite its frequent denial. Maryam Nawaz’s rise as a strong PML-N leader seems to be a point of concern for Shehbaz Sharif.
While talking to a private media channel, Rana Azeem revealed the details on Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s meeting with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore.
During the meeting, Maulana Fazlur expressed his concerns about Shehbaz Sharif’s lack of communication. He said that Shehbaz Sharif doesn’t take the PDM President in confidence on important matters.
Shehbaz Sharif denied the claims and pacified Maulana Fazlur Rehman. He also stated that there are no rifts among them. However, he advised that in order to gain the support of the Parliament, Maulana Fazlur Rehman should abandon his way of politics i.e. holding a long march.
Furthermore, the PML-N President stated that Maulana Falzur Rehman has to decide who he wants to meet first, Maryam Nawaz or him [Shahbaz Sharif].
On this note, Maulana Fazlur Rehman agreed and expressed the desire to meet PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, since she will lead the party.
Rana Azeem then revealed that Shehbaz Sharif said, “You should definitely meet Maryam, but now you will not.”
Read more: Maryam Nawaz sidelined, Shehbaz Sharif leads PML-N for PDM rally?
Pertinent to note, Maryam Nawaz, according to sources, was present in Lahore when the meeting took place. However, she did not take part in the meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rehman. As PML-N Vice President, a party that is part of the Opposition alliance PDM, Maryam Nawaz should have been present in the meeting.
Speculations are rife that either Shehbaz Sharif did not invite her, or Maryam herself did not wish to meet the leaders. The latter seems highly likely as sources claim that Maryam gave excuses for not attending the meeting.
A united front debunked by ground realities
This is rather interesting since the Opposition frequently claims that they are united. Moreover, Maryam Nawaz, on several occasions negated the reports that there is any animosity between her and Shehbaz Sharif.
We did a high five 🙌😀 https://t.co/3VZgk8NoRK
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) September 29, 2021
On another note, Maryam also denied any rifts between her and Hamza Shehbaz, son of Shehbaz Sharif. Her denial came after Hamza Shahbaz negated her stance on extension voting of the Army Chief’s tenure.
As reported by the media, Maryam said she “felt vindicated as she was not part of the legislation that allowed extension in the tenure of the chief of the army staff.”
https://twitter.com/MAslam_k/status/1446347912938729490?s=20
While the PML-N leaders resolutely maintain that they are united, the ground realities, as recently revealed by Rana Azeem, state otherwise.