Authorities in Punjab are under “strict orders” to complete major ongoing projects by October to pave way for the Pakistan Muslim League-N to use all options, including dissolving the assembly before Senate elections in March next year.
These instructions are learnt to have been issued verbally by the top leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-N.
A party source said that PML-N top leaders had agreed to use “all options to topple the PPP government “well before Senate elections”.
“We have options, including launching a mass movement by using the judicial card and provoking mass resignations in the National Assembly and provincial assemblies,” the PML-N leader told The Express Tribune.
“We are much concerned about the next Senate elections, and want to block the PPP’s way from making another clean sweep in the upper house of parliament,” he said.
He said that if “they (the PPP) succeeded in holding Senate elections, it would create problems for us in making legislations in the coming years”.
According to him, the PML-N leadership had decided to launch a mass movement soon after Eid. He said that the party leaders intended to exploit PPP weaknesses, including non-implementation of Supreme Court orders and the law and order situation in Karachi and Balochistan “inside and outside parliament”. “We believe that rampant corruption and non-implementation of Supreme Court orders would (be enough for us to) sweep the PPP government (off its feet),” he said.
He said that over time, the PML-N would also try to form an alliance of other like-minded political parties against the PPP government.
“There is a high possibility of a coalition with the Jamaat-i-Islami, whose street power will be beneficial for a mass movement,” the PML-N leader said.
He acknowledged that a coalition with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) was also possible as the situation in Karachi was “getting out of control and could soon further escalate”.
When asked what would his party do if the PPP holds by-elections on seats vacated by resignations prompted by the PML-N, the party stalwart said that such a strategy would be countered with an effective mass movement, adding that it would be disastrous for the PPP.
When called to confirm the PML-N leader’s assertions, Senator Pervaz Rasheed, the party’s spokesperson for the Punjab government, said that even if there were such verbal instructions, why they would make them public?
Commenting on the possibility of a movement before the Senate elections, Rasheed said that it was not illegal to launch a mass movement and, therefore, if the PML-N decided to launch any such campaign it would make it public.
He added that linking any anti-government movement with the Senate election “is a baseless analysis”.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2011.
COMMENTS (22)
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"He said that if “they (the PPP) succeeded in holding Senate elections, it would create problems for us in making legislations in the coming years”.
PML-N sure about his success in next elections???????
Nawaz Sharif is becoming desperate. Withthe help of judiciary, both can capture power.
i think pmln is also popular in hazara division of k.p/n.w.f.p(in case you are hindko)
To change the current coalition govt, PML-N has to attack the senate and NA while in session. Just like they did against the Sitting SC. The offspring of worst dictatorship of Zia, they are at best a regional party of upper Punjab. There is not even a remote possibility that they can win a dozen seats in the senate, hence the rush to stop the senate elections. After waiting for more than 3 years PML-N cannot wait for next elections and had to show its real face to secular and liberal people of Pakistan.
PML-N is Inevitable for this Country! The Only Party who can ensure civilian Supremacy in Pakistan! Things will get clear after Eid. Lets see!
What is the problem with Pakistani politicians? They don't learn do they?
Why can't they respect constitutional mandate, and bide their time till the next elections? They weaken the democratic process themselves!
It is down to same old tricks....
PML-N's popularity will b on its peak again with a long march... and that wud b enough to gain majority in Elections...
NS has lost his credibility. Only Musharraf is the trusted elader.
What a shame... the PML losers want to topple a democratically elected government so that they do not sweep the senate election. Shameful indeed. And people here are supporting this, that is why the condition of this country is what it is, because the people are always confused for no reason at all.
People of Pakistan are so fed up with current Govt that eventually they will support PMLN call to oust current Govt. (Mian Nawaz might become popular again with this stunt)
So obvious now, nothing is for the masses its all for party's own politcal benefits. Shame on all our politicians.
Perpetual Undemocratic thinking mentality of PML (N) what they will achieve in long term .
We still remember with clean sweep majority of last PML(n) govt what did they gave the nation . The Foreign exchange account Fiasco
The Nawaz Sharif wanted to become Amir Ul Mounieen, cannot handle the Kargil issue as PM as he was unaware ????
Have the PML(n) not read the writing on the wall NO MORE SINGLE PARTY GOVT in near Future only collation govt
@all abovoe.. do you think tht its posble ? to get rid of an elected gvt(although a corrupt govt ) wich is in 4 provices and in 5th complte state(ajk) jst with one province? and secondly do you thnk tht ths guys (pml-n) is diffrnt thn those in power now? plz leave these all .. PTI is the only hope
So PML(N) will only work when its in their own interest. For public they will side with PPP
It would be absolutely ridiculous....PML(N) could not be able to do it alone.
Mian Nawaz Sharif, Hmm....
Country need Fresh Elections..
Mian Sahab please do sumthn as soon as possible..
Excellent.. there should be another Long March....
V.Gud.. Get rid of PPP please...
They would have to ally with PTI if they want a successful movement