3 sitting PML-N MPAs meet PM Imran

PM says party standing firmly behind Buzdar

LAHORE:

Calling the government “stable and confident” amid the ongoing political turmoil due to the no-trust motion, Prime Minister Imran Khan has reposed confidence in the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, saying that the party is standing firmly behind him and there is no need to worry.

The premier arrived in Lahore on Thursday for a day-long visit, prompted by the moves made by disgruntled PTI members belonging to estranged party leader Jahangir Khan Tareen’s group. The latter has been trying to exert pressure on the Punjab CM by demanding his removal.

According to sources, three sitting PML-N MPAs including Mian Jalil Ahmed Sharqpuri, Azhar Abbas, Muhammad Faisal Khan Niazi and two former Punjab assembly members, Maulana Ghiasuddin and Ashraf Ali Ansari called on the prime minister to express their full support.

The premier also held important meetings with Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, provincial chief executive Buzdar, Punjab ministers for health and minorities, female party members and a large number of legislators from all over the province.

During the meetings, views were exchanged on how to tackle the Opposition’s no-confidence motion, ongoing developmental projects and administrative affairs of the province. Participants of the meeting decided to address the reservations of angry party members. Subsequently, the PM tasked Governor Chaudhry and the chief minister to contact angry party leaders and resolve their issues.

Earlier, the Punjab governor had requested the PTI leadership to meet Tareen and Aleem Khan to hear their viewpoint.

Addressing separate meetings, the prime minister said the country’s economy is now moving in the direction of sustainable growth. “The government inherited a bankrupt economy but due to prudent economic policies, stability was achieved and new job opportunities were created.”

The premier highlighted that the government came up with a package for the development of South Punjab for the first time in the history of the country. “Development of backward and neglected areas of South Punjab is one of the top priorities.”

Praising female legislators for playing an important role in the legislation process, PM Imran said PTI always ensured merit and hence they selected capable people for reserved seats. “In the past, political parties used to select ‘favourite people' for reserved seats.”

PML-N MPA Shaqpuri also called on CM Buzdar and discussed matters of mutual interest. He reposed trust over the chief minister, saying that the Punjab chief executive was serving the masses with sincerity while promoting a culture of political tolerance and transparency. “You have given respect to parliamentarians while ensuring solutions to their problems on a priority basis.”

On the other hand, commenting on the situation that CM Buzdar is entangled in, Special Assistant to the PM on Political Communication Shahbaz Gill made it clear that only PM Imran has the power to decide the fate of the Punjab chief minister, adding that Islamabad is the battlefield at the moment. “All the focus of the party leadership is at thwarting the no-confidence motion and exposing the evil group and its external masters.”

Federal ministers Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Asad Umar, Shafqat Mahmood, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar and Hammad Azhar apart from Minister of State, Farrukh Habib and Punjab Government Spokesperson Hasaan Khawar were also present in different meetings.

Tareen group boycotts meeting

In a predictable development, the Tareen group boycotted the parliamentary party meeting called by the prime minister. The group also disassociated themselves from the provincial minister who called on the premier.

MPA Aleem Khan’s spokesperson denied reports that they are against the minus-Buzdar option in Punjab. He said each member of the group has their own opinion. “All members of the Aleem Khan group are not against boycotting the meeting with PM Imran.”