PML-N workers convention may get delayed

Party spokesperson says next round of conventions to be announced tomorrow

LAHORE: Planning to hold workers convention in Southern Punjab, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has decided to wait till the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) teams visit party President Shehbaz Sharif’s residence to record his statement in Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) case.

According to sources, the party fearing the worst outcome of the visit, has decided to wait and see the outcome of NAB’s investigation first before embarking on its second round of workers convention in Southern Punjab.

Sources added the PML-N has held around a dozen workers conventions throughout Central Punjab so logically the next would be held in southern part of the province.

PML-N Punjab Spokesperson Azma Bukhari, when asked about the workers conventions, said the announcement of the upcoming workers conventions would be made soon. She said prior to the announcements location cannot be disclosed.

Two workers conventions were held on Saturday both led by party’s General Secretary Ahsan Iqbal.

It is pertinent to mention that, on August 20, Shehbaz for the second time missed NAB’s hearing in the LWMC scam because of health problems.

The PML-N president had injured his back during an Independence Day function. On skipping the hearing, NAB decided to send a team of joint investigators at his residence 96 H Model Town for further investigation.

PML-N Deputy Secretary Atta Tarar had already confirmed to The Express Tribune that Shehbaz, given his back ache, won’t be participating in the All Parties Conference scheduled for August 29. But Ahsan Iqbal said the APC’s date would be moved ahead to ensure the presence of party heads.

However, party Spokesperson Marium Aurangzeb has denied the claims, stating they don’t waste time on NAB’s politically motivated vindictive measures.

She said they would announce their upcoming schedule of next round of workers convention on Tuesday (tomorrow). About contingency plan of the party in case of Shehbaz’s arrest, she said there was none.