News Analysis |
Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) is desperately trying to keep the party intact after the defeat in July 25 elections, amid rumors of defection. PML-N president and former CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif conducted a desperate meeting of elected member Punjab assembly to take the pledge from the MPA’s to stay in the party.
The PML-N and PTI have secured 129 and 123 seats in Punjab assembly, respectively. PML-N had called upon all the members, but up to 121 MPAs-elect, out of 129, attended the maiden PML-N Punjab parliamentary meeting at party’s Model Town Secretariat on July 31 (Yesterday). According to another media report, only 106 MPA-elect participated in the meeting, indicating a probable forward block or defection in the party.
PML-Q has won 7 seats and has decided categorically to join PTI’s government in Punjab. PTI claims to have reached a magical figure of 180 and looks certain to make the government in Punjab.
The meeting was called to show the solidarity within the party. PML-N leadership is trying to lift the morale of its troops after the dismal show in Punjab. Shahbaz Sharif took a pledge from MPAs-elect to stay united whether they form the government or not in the province.
There has been a speculation in media that PML-N MPA’s are on verge of making a forward block in the party. Even, PTI MNA-Elect Faisal Vawda from Karachi claimed that the forward block has emerged in the PML-N.
Read more: Maryam and Hamza unlikely to takeover PML-N leadership in Punjab
The danger of further disintegration of PML-N remains on the cards. The cracks in the party are apparently possible. Because despite claims of being on the hot seat to make the next Punjab government, none of the independent members has thus far shown alliance/support with the party. It almost looks certain that party would fail to get the required number to form the government.
While addressing the members, Shahbaz Sharif admitted of his failure in generating the required numbers to challenge the PTI position. “This is a difficult time and I want everyone to stay united and face the challenges and our purpose is not to form the government but to serve the people,” he asserted.
Shahbaz Sharif took a pledge from MPAs-elect to stay united whether they form the government or not in the province.
Though, Hamza Shahbaz and Rana Sanaullah have indicated that party is pursuing the case to make government but its success is not visible as of yet. In Punjab, not a single independent MPA-elect has announced joining PML-N so far. Moreover, the admission from PML-N president to play the opposition’s role aggressively reflects the words of defeated man.
There is no denying that PML-N had the constitutional right to make the government being the largest party in the province. But PTI underwent seat adjustment with PML-Q on a number of national seats. Moreover, some of their candidates were also favored in certain provincial seats.
Read more: Trouble for PML-N: A forward block in the making in Punjab?
PML-Q has won 7 seats and has decided categorically to join PTI’s government in Punjab. PTI claims to have reached a magical figure of 180 and looks certain to make the government in Punjab. Among the thirty independent candidates, fifteen have already joined the party and two more will join today.
If one follows the principles, being a leading PML-N should be allowed to make the government but, all the stakeholders are aware of the fact that without Punjab, PTI’s government in the center may not survive for long. And secondly, Punjab is the most populous province of the country and if PTI has to bring in the reforms in the country, Punjab will play a key role in it.