Indian threat puts a halt to political disputes, decisions

PTI unlikely to take an immediate decision with regard to future of Punjab CM

ISLAMABAD: Escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India is also impacting national politics.

Sources in the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) revealed to The Express Tribune that serious consultations were under way within the party to replace Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar but such a change might not be possible in the prevailing situation.

It is learned that ‘powerful circles’ had expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of Buzdar and also recommended to the PTI leadership to replace him.  Even the senior PTI leadership was trying to convince Prime Minister Imran Khan to do the same.

One section was active in lobbying for Pervez Elahi for his appointment as the new CM. Elahi, the Pakistan Muslim League-Q leader who is currently serving as the Punjab Assembly speaker, has served as Punjab chief minister from 2002 till 2008.

Meanwhile, the ongoing cold war between PTI elected lawmakers and close aides of premier has also been halted for the time being.  Currently, there is a tug of war between Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and the PM’s Special Assistant on Political Affairs Naeemul Haq over the appointment of the state-run Pakistan Television’s new Managing Director Arshad Khan.

It is learned that contrary to Haq statements, the elected PTI lawmakers are backing Fawad’s stance in this matter. However, the PM is totally silent over the matter.

A senior party leader claimed that Haq is supported by the PM, adding that Fawad was not present in the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting held on Tuesday.

Senior political analysts believe that the role of the Information Ministry is very significant in the current situation when Pakistan and India are apparently inching closer to an armed conflict.  A senior PTI leader believes that Fawad should be given freehand to play his role in the country’s prevailing situation.

It is learned the PTI’s elected MPs are showing concern over the appointments of non-elected party leaders on important posts.  Most of the non-elected leaders are Imran Khan’s close aides.

Interestingly, all law officers were appointed on the recommendation of non-elected PTI leaders and most of the law officers do not belong to the party.  “I personally feel that non-elected party leaders are more powerful than those, who have their constituencies,” said a senior PTI leader.

Senior political analysts are also convinced that ongoing tension will also affect inter-party conflicts.  All parliamentary leaders held meeting in the parliament on Wednesday to discuss the Indian aggression.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal, who attended the meeting, said in his statement on social media that entire political and military leadership is on the same page to defend and protect the honour of Pakistan.

He, however, complained that the PM conspicuously abstained from a meeting of parliamentary leaders. However, the PM will attend a joint parliament session today (Thursday) and take the nation into confidence over the prevailing situation.