In a major development, Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly agreed to offer the seat of Punjab Chief Minister to PML-Q’s Pervaiz Elahi. The revelation comes after the Opposition filed a no-confidence motion against Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.
Earlier today, a total of 127 lawmakers, including PPP and PML-N MPAs, signed and submitted the no-trust motion against CM Usman Buzdar. According to the Opposition lawmakers, the CM had lost majority support as he failed to deal with matters pertaining to the province constitutionally and democratically.
After the no-confidence motion against CM Buzdar, a PTI delegation led by Federal Minister for Planning Development Asad Umar reached out to PML-Q leader and Speaker Punjab Assembly Pervaiz Elahi. The delegation also consisted of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Defense Minister Pervaiz Khattak.
Read more: CM Buzdar met 155 MNAs, MPAs in 5 days?
During the meeting, Asad Umar conveyed an important message to the PML-Q leader. According to sources, PM Imran Khan has agreed to offer the CM Punjab seat to Pervaiz Elahi.
PM Imran Khan offers chief ministership of Punjab to Chaudhry Pervez Elahi. The question is, will it be too little too late, or will Buzdar’s sacrifice be enough? pic.twitter.com/KyATpO1MoE
— Amber Rahim Shamsi (@AmberRShamsi) March 28, 2022
This is indeed a major development. Amid the no-confidence motion against PM Khan, PML-Q had made demands for the Punjab Chief Minister seat. PML-Q reportedly said it will go with the side offering the Punjab CM seat.
However, the PTI-led government had earlier refused to give in to the demands of PML-Q. In fact, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed even accused PML-Q of blackmail. As a result, PML-Q leader and Federal Minister for Water Resources hit out at Sheikh Rasheed.
Read more: Moonis Elahi hits back at Sheikh Rashid for accusing PML-Q of blackmail
While the PTI government previously remained adamant to not buckle under pressure, there was no denying that the Opposition made consistent efforts to win over PML-Q.
https://twitter.com/javedhassan/status/1508369478312210435?s=20&t=xY_8Mjz4MPuwlQC8pDAZOA
Big decision for PML-Q
Sunday, PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif agreed to give the Punjab Chief Minister seat to PML-Q. The move came in stark contrast to PML-N’s previous stance. To match the Opposition, PTI also increased its efforts.
Now with offers from both the Opposition and the PTI government on the table, PML-Q has to pick a side now. A lot of political uncertainty still persists as the no-confidence motion inches near. On the other hand, PML-Q has stated on several occasions that it will not leave the government.
Punjab secured by the PTI government from the looks of it with detailed talks held between a delegation led by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Speaker Punjab Assembly Pervaiz Elahi
PML-Q to be given chief ministership upon Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recommendation
— Hassan Khan (@mhassankhan06) March 28, 2022