PML-N has no plan to launch anti-govt campaign

Senior leader says Shehbaz Sharif met Fazlur Rehman only on instruction of Nawaz Sharif

LAHORE:

The PML-N has no plans to launch or join any movement to dislodge the PTI led federal government right now and the party president, Shehbaz Sharif, met the JUI-F chief Mualana Fazlur Rehman on instruction of his elder brother Nawaz Sharif just to ensure a united opposition.

Fazl on Tuesday set his conditions for a united front against the government – including the opposition parties penning down their agenda in the form of a charter – as a PML-N delegation led by Shehbaz met the cleric at his residence in Islamabad to address his reservations.

The Maulana also demanded the inclusion of PML-N Senior Vice President Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in the Rahbar Committee, which comprises senior leaders of opposition parties, to make it more effective.

Talking to The Express Tribune, a senior PML-N leader – while requesting anonymity – claimed that the only purpose of the meeting was to convey a message to Nawaz – who is in London – that the party leadership follows his instructions.

“Fazl had recently conveyed his concerns to Nawaz Sharif on phone regarding his party’s position inside and outside the assembly. Shehbaz Sharif was asked to quell Fazl’s concerns. This meeting needs to be seen in this context,” he said.

He said the PML-N does not intend to launch any protest movement against the PTI government as yet.

“Nawaz Sharif only wants all political parties to be on the same page so that when the opportunity arises, they can make the most of it,” he added.

He said it is well known that Shehbaz Sharif is never in favour of any street agitation or any protest movement. He has time and again made own thinking very clear on this matter, he added.

He said the party belongs to Nawaz Sharif so whatever he decides will eventually be the party strategy. “All opposition parties will have to wait for the right moment, if they intend to take down the PTI government,” he added.

He dismissed the speculations that Maryam Nawaz – the daughter of Nawaz Sharif – will launch a movement against the government when she returns to active politics.

“This will not happen. Firstly, it is not the right time to protest and secondly if she even decides to build a movement against the government, she will land in jail within 24 hours. People will also not come out to protest her unjustified arrest,” he added.     

The PML-N spokesperson, when contacted, was not available for comments.

Regarding Shehbaz Sharif’s stated position on long marches and sit-ins, JUI-F leader Moulana Amjad said if the PML-N wants to join in with JUI-F and its allied parties, it will have to put all its weight behind the proposed all parties conference (APC).

“This means even launching a street movement, if the APC reaches such a decision. Otherwise, the JUI-F will continue working against the incompetent government with its allies and distance itself from the PML-N. The PMLN has the right to make its own choices,” he added.