Pakistan’s political atmosphere is brimming with activity as the Opposition gets ready for a major political change. For this, it is heavily relying on estranged PTI MNAs to complete the numbers for the no-trust move.
There are now reports stating that PTI member and a close friend of PM Imran Khan, Aleem Khan may join the Opposition. According to reports, the senior leadership of PML-N contacted Aleem Khan ahead of the Opposition’s plan to table the no-confidence motion.
Furthermore, additional reports claim that Aleem Khan has already met 40 members of Punjab Assembly in the last three days. He will also visit estranged PTI leader Jahangir Khan Tareen’s residence today to attend an important meeting of the group regarding the no-confidence motion.
Read more: Will Jahangir Tareen move against PTI govt?
Jahangir Tareen is currently in London for medical treatment. However, he will attend the meeting via video link. Important to note, ties between PM Khan and PTI’s former secretary-general Tareen turned sour in 2020 after the Sugar Inquiry Commission report.
On the other hand, the Opposition wants former PTI leaders to join the no-trust move. Regarding this, Jahangir Tareen had claimed that he can move either way. After this, the media reported that Jahangir Tareen also met with PML-N’s Shehbaz Sharif to discuss ousting of PM Khan.
Aleem Khan, PTI leader & @SAMAATV owner, is going to ditch PM Imran Khan & joining disgruntled leader Jahangir Tareen, according to media reports. Almost impossible for the ruling party to stay in power if Tareen, Aleem & their like-minded lawmakers join hands with the opposition
— Roohan Ahmed (@Roohan_Ahmed) March 7, 2022
PTI worried?
Now, reports are rife that another PTI member – Aleem Khan – may move towards the Opposition. During today’s meeting, the disgruntled PTI members may adopt a joint strategy in the prevailing political situation.
The participants of the meeting will review the strategy for the no-confidence motion. The meeting will also discuss the options and strategies regarding Punjab and the Centre.
Read more: PML-N not ready to give Punjab CM seat to PML-Q?
Additionally, as the reports emerged of PML-N contacting Aleem Khan, shortly after, more reports emerged that PM Khan issued directives to allegedly “soothe” Aleem Khan. Media sources claim that PM Khan tasked Sindh Governor Imran Ismail to meet disgruntled PTI leaders Jahangir Tareen and Aleem Khan.
While this may be the scenario behind closed doors, in public the government appears very confident of the Opposition’s failure.