PPP supreme leader Asif Zardari fails to win the support of PML-Q in a no-trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan. Informed sources said that PML-Q refused to take part in any “political misadventure” against the PTI government.
To clarify, the Opposition is gearing up for an intense political battle against the PTI government. Both PML-N and PPP decided to oust Imran Khan by moving a no-trust motion against him. For this, the Opposition needs to bring the government alliances on their side. As a result, the Opposition reached out to PTI’s only ally in Punjab, PML-Q, run by the Chaudhrys of Gujrat.
PPP leader and former President of Pakistan, Zardari paid a visit to the Lahore residence of the Chaudhrys to inquire after PML-Q president Chaudhry Shujat Hussain, who remained ill for some time and recovered a couple of weeks ago. PML-Q Punjab president and Punjab Assembly Speaker Parvez Elahi, federal ministers Moonis Elahi and Tariq Bashir Cheema, MNA Chaudhry Salik Husain, Shafay Hussain, and Rukhsana Bangash were also present.
Read more: PML-Q joins hands with PTI in Punjab LG elections
Zardari held an exclusive meeting with Mr. Hussain and Mr. Elahi and discussed the prevailing political situation and matters of mutual interest. He also informed them about the massive movement that the joint Opposition intends to launch against the government.
Former President Asif Ali Zardari arrives at the residence of Chaudhry brothers
Speaker Punjab Pervez Elahi, Federal Ministers Monis Elahi, Tariq Bashir Cheema received
Discussion on political issues after the visit of Chaudhry Shujaat
Since@BBhuttoZardari @AseefaBZ pic.twitter.com/oc8BciDAU7— 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐮𝐥 𝐌𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐛 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢 (@A_mutalib_bhati) February 7, 2022
According to sources, Zardari revealed Opposition plans of a no-confidence motion and urged PML-Q to end its alliance with the government.
PML-Q’s reaction to Zardari’s request
Sources said that after hearing Zardari’s proposition, PML-Q said it could not become a part of any “political misadventure” against the PTI government. However, PML-Q leadership agreed with Zardari over the government’s failure to control inflation.
Furthermore, PML-Q questioned PML-N’s seriousness about a no-confidence move against the government. Sources said that PML-Q also said that the major Opposition party PML-N never approached it for support. On the other hand, PML-Q agreed with PPP that they should keep meeting.
Read more: With PML-Q, MQM-P pacified, is PTI out of troubled waters?
While the PML-Q refused to give up on its alliance with the government, the Opposition is still determined to win over government allies. PML-N’s recent Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting mandated PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif to establish contacts with other political parties.