Govt once again reaches out to PML-Q

ISLAMABAD:

The federal government on Monday once again approached its ally the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) ahead of the voting on the no-confidence motion submitted in the National Assembly against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Federal Minister for Narcotics Brigadier (retd) Ijaz Shah reached the house of the Chaudhry brothers and met with Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and Federal Minister for Water Resources Moonis Elahi.

Sources said that the issue of unity was discussed during the meeting.

Talking to the media persons after the meeting, the Punjab Assembly speaker said that continuous consultation process on the political situation was under way.

Separately, a high-level delegation of the ruling coalition the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan arrived at the residence of the Chaudhry brothers.

The MQM-P delegation held a meeting with former prime minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Elahi.
Federal ministers Chaudhry Tariq Bashir Cheema, Moonis, National Assembly Member Salik Hussain and Hussain Elahi were also present.

Read: PML-Q, MQM supports PTI against no-trust motion, says Asad Umar

The MQM-P delegation included Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Wasim Akhtar, Federal Minister Aminul Haq, Amir Khan and Izharul Hassan.

The meeting discussed in detail the current political situation in the country, unity and issues of mutual interest.

According to the sources, the two sides agreed to formulate a consensus strategy on the no-confidence motion.

The MQM-P delegation informed the Chaudhry brothers about the meeting with former president Asif Ali Zardari.

The sources said that the two coalition parties would announce their future strategy after further consultations.

The MQM delegation left without speaking to reporters.

Besides, Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) leader Ghaus Bakhsh Mehr also called on the Chaudhry brothers.

Read: PPP, MQM-P agree to work together 'in country’s wider interest'

In an informal conversation with reporters at the residence, he said that Prime Minister Imran went to them and presented his position before them.

“We have assured the prime minister of our full support,” Mehr said, adding that matters of mutual interest were discussed with the Chaudhry brothers.

On the other hand, PTI Balochistan leader Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind called on PML-Q chief Shujaat and Elahi.

Salik, Hussain, and Provincial Minister Ammar Yasir were present.

During the meeting, the PTI leader presented a bouquet to the PML-Q chief and discussed the current political situation in Balochistan.

Further, the Balochistan Awami Party, an ally of the ruling PTI at the Centre and in Balochistan, met with PM Imran.

The BAP leaders advised the prime minister not to resort to confrontation ahead of the no-confidence vote.
Sources said that MNA Khalid Magsi told the PM that the no-confidence motion was a democratic way and should be dealt with in a democratic manner.

Sources said that Magsi apprised the PM that the consultation process of his party was going on and a decision would be taken soon.