PML-N denies MPAs met PM Imran at Bani Gala

PTI claims PML-N's Punjab lawmakers expressed confidence in PM Imran and CM Buzdar

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday rubbished news reports regarding party parliamentarians meeting Prime Minister Imran Khan to express solidarity with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) government.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Naeemul Haque confirmed that some PML-N parliamentarians met the prime minister at Bani Gala. A section of the electronic media confirmed the news as well.

The hopes of PMLN MPAs from Punjab continue to get shattered with their party as was obvious in their today’s meeting with the PM. 15 MPAs of PMLN met PM at Bani Gala for 1 1/2 hours. CM Punjab had brought them over. They expressed full confidence in PM and the CM.

— Naeem ul Haque (@naeemul_haque) June 29, 2019

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar was also said to be in attendance.  According to unconfirmed details, PML-N lawmakers expressed their confidence in PM Imran's policies and said that more PML-N parliamentarians will also be meeting the premier in the near future.

Shehbaz calls for mid-term polls, claims only way to fix economy

PML-N did not officially deny the media reports and only after Haque's tweet did PML-N Spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb speak to The Express Tribune.

"We have no information regarding PML-N parliamentarians meeting the prime minister. We also do not believe that such a meeting has happened. This is a deliberate attempt to spread fake news and divert people's attention from PTI's failed economic policies," she said.

"If any parliamentarian was defecting from the party, it would have shown during the budget voting," Marriyum added.

She said that if such a meeting did take place, it would be highly unethical and the PTI should have the courage to name the MPAs.

When asked if the party will take action if the claims are found to be true, she said the decision rested with the party president's, Shehbaz Sharif.