As the political temperature rises in Punjab, PPP and PML-N have decided to jointly contest the forthcoming Punjab by-polls. This can be a tough situation for PTI.
Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz from PML-N and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Zardari met and decided on a strategy for the by-polls. It was decided that PPP will support PML-N candidates.
As per reports, Hamza Shehbaz had sought PPP’s support in the coming bye-polls. Asif Zardari reportedly obliged Hamza by agreeing to forgo his party’s right on these seats. He gave his word that the PPP will neither seek any seat adjustment with the PML-N nor field its candidates against these seats. He also pledged to support the PML-N candidates in all these constituencies.
Read more: PTI MPAs bring ‘lota’ in Punjab Assembly
The polls are scheduled on 20 seats of the Punjab Assembly where PTI had won in 2018 general elections and its MPAs had later defected to the PML-N and faced disqualification.
The PTI and its ally party PML-Q have declared Hamza an “illegal CM” after losing the majority in the House thus calling for a run-off election.
It is pertinent to mention that of the 20 seats, nine are in southern Punjab where the PPP, as an organization and its vote bank, is stronger as compared to central Punjab, and its support to the PML-N in a close contest can cost the PTI.
وزیر اعلی پنجاب حمزہ شہباز بلاول ہاؤس پہنچ گئے
پیپلزپارٹی کے شریک چیئرمین آصف علی زرداری نے وزیر اعلی پنجاب حمزہ شہباز کا خیرمقدم کیا
باہمی دلچسپی کے امور ، سیاسی صورتحال اور ورکنگ ریلیشن شپ پر گفتگو
آصف علی زرداری وزیر اعلی حمزہ شہباز کے اعزاز میں ظہرانہ بھی دیں گے pic.twitter.com/U6TfQI3jfy
— PMLN (@pmln_org) June 7, 2022
During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed issues of mutual interest, political situation, and working relationships were discussed during the meeting. Asif Zardari congratulated Hamza Shehbaz on becoming the Chief Minister.
No breakthrough?
Interestingly, PPP and PML-N also talked about their differences in Punjab. According to details, the Punjab chapter of the PPP had complained to Asif Zardari that Hamza Shehbaz was reluctant to give its lawmakers in Punjab their ‘agreed share’.
The PPP has seven seats in the Punjab Assembly and they were reportedly promised four ministries and two adviserships by the Sharifs. PPP wanted the portfolios of irrigation, agriculture, and energy. However, PML-N believes that such key seats should not go to the PPP.
As per reports, the two leaders had a detailed discussion on the matter but no breakthrough could be achieved as Hamza Shehbaz said that he is waiting for PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif’s approval in this regard.
Read more: SC Article 63-A verdict doesn’t apply to my election: Hamza Shehbaz