Political heat turns up as PML-Q warns of action

Elahi complains of mistreatment of workers in Punjab, not being included in decision-making process

LAHORE:

Following the opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) announcement of a long march against the incumbent government, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) has also indicated to go against the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf over mistreatment of its workers in Punjab and for not being included in the decision-making process.

“We have been supporting them [the government] in the Centre and Punjab for the past three years but the provincial government is mistreating our workers in every district,” PML-Q leader and Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said while chairing a meeting of the party’s central committee on Saturday.

Elahi announced convening a PML-Q Parliamentary Party meeting on Sunday (today) in which a unanimous decision will be taken on the future course of action, saying that the ruling party was not offering them any opportunity to participate in the decision-making process despite being an ally.

Read more: PTI, PML-Q not on same page

The party leaders also pointed out that despite being an ally, the Punjab government only met the assembly speaker during the budget session or whenever it needed support. “We all have serious reservations over the attitude of the provincial government.”

PML-Q, Punjab General Secretary Senator Kamil Ali Agha underscored that the Senate election was enough to remind the government of the PML-Q role in winning it. “Did the government forget how it won the Senate election without asking for votes? The rulers also forgot that none of their candidates came to ask for votes, yet in the most difficult election of the Senate, the PML-Q helped them pull through.”

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has already conveyed its reservation over electronic voting machines (EVMs) and other issues. The MQM has asked Prime Minister Imran Khan to hold a meeting to resolve their problems.

While responding to the warning of the PML-Q leadership, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said that the government would improve its working relationship with the PML-Q by taking ahead the consultation process. “We were and will remain allies.”

Buzdar underlined that the PML-Q “is our ally and decisions have always been taken in Punjab with consultation”.
The government always took allied parties along with it in Punjab and the practice would continue in the future as well, he said, assuring that the journey of public service would be carried out along with the PML-Q with best working coordination.

Before his departure to Saudi Arabia, Buzdar clarified that he visited the residence of Punjab Assembly speaker. He said that the government never adopted a solo policy in Punjab and always gave due importance to the suggestion of the elected representative of the coalition party.

Also read: Elahi wants PM to make 'difficult' decisions

“The government will continue to work together with its allies to provide relief to the people of the province.”

He said, “The nefarious designs of those who want to create a rift among us will be foiled.

“The conspirators will fail and our alliance will move forward as no conspiracy of creating misunderstandings between us will succeed.”