The Jahangir Khan Tareen group has announced to support the joint opposition’s candidate, PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz for Punjab’s chief ministry.
Addressing a press conference alongside Hamza, Punjab MPA Nauman Langrial said the group made its decision based on “honesty, sincerity and for the country’s sake.”
He added that the group would provide fully support Hamza and hope that he would serve the province well.
The JKT group leader lashed out at outgoing chief minister Buzdar, alleging that he had promoted corruption and damaged the PTI.
Earlier, senior PML-N leader Ishaq Dar announced it on Twitter and thanked Tareen for announcing his support for Hamza Shahbaz.
Read more: Voter shames Raja Riaz for selling vote in leaked audiotape
Meanwhile, Tareen group spokesperson Aun Chaudhry has claimed that their 16 MPs will support the joint opposition’s candidate.
The Punjab government had de-notified CM Buzdar after the acceptance of his resignation but in the same notification allowed him “to continue to hold office until his successor enters upon the office”.
On March 28, Buzdar presented his resignation to PM Imran Khan after a delegation of senior lawmakers had submitted a no-trust motion against him in the Punjab Assembly.
PTI then announced the PML-Q’s Chaudhry Pervez Elahi as its candidate for Punjab’s chief minister.
The move had come as the ruling party had stepped up efforts to ensure the support of its allies ahead of a no-trust vote against the premier, against the backdrop of multiple PTI allies joining the opposition.
Read more: 4 PTI members join the opposition ahead of no-confidence vote
The PML-Q, which is a crucial ally of the PTI government in Punjab and Centre, with 10 and five seats, respectively, had later confirmed its support for the ruling party.
To be elected as chief minister a candidate will need at least 186 votes in the 371-member house.
Punjab Assembly session adjourned till Sunday
Earlier, the Punjab assembly session scheduled to pick Usman Buzdar’s replacement was adjourned till 11:30 on Sunday.
The session was held briefly after four hours of delay but had to stop because of sloganeering from both opposition and treasury benches.
CM Sindh: PM Khan risking law to save his seat
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday said Prime Minister Imran Khan is risking law to save his seat.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, CM Shah said over 172 members will vote against PM Khan on the no-confidence motion on Sunday, adding that Khan has lost majority in the parliament.
Read more: MNA’s allowed to vote: Supreme Court Bar
He said Khan will cease to be the Prime Minister after the motion succeeds, without the need of any notification.
The Chief Minister said the country can’t afford more crises, adding that only Sindh government remained united during the whole movement, unlike Punjab and Baluchistan.