Will removing Buzdar do the magic?

Sources say Elahi’s nomination remains disputed within PML-Q

NEWS DESK:

Will the embattled prime minister’s hurried decision to replace Usman Buzdar and nominate Chaudhry Pervez Elahi as Punjab’s chief minister lend his seemingly faltering government a new lease on life and help him survive the opposition’s no-confidence motion?

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has been facing strong criticism for its failure to handle political mismanagement in Punjab – the heartland of political ground – and the lack of mechanism within the party to redress the grievances of lawmakers.

“The nomination of Elahi as CM Punjab will resolve this issue,” said a PTI leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The member of the ruling party, who is endorsing the prime minister’s move, also revealed that ‘powerful circles' are also backing Elahi’s nomination for the province’s top slot.

He expressed hope that things were headed in the right direction after the PTI’s massive rally in the federal capital.

“Likewise, PM acted wisely by not wagging a finger at the security establishment in his speech. These things are favouring PM Khan and now powerful circles have soft corners regarding him,” he claimed.

The party leader assessed that the situation will go in favour of PM Khan soon. “If not then at least this move will secure Punjab, which is relevant for future politics,” he added.

‘Tareen wary of Elahi nomination’

On the other hand, a disgruntled PTI leader ruled out the possibility that the Jahangir Tareen faction would throw weight behind the nomination, adding that around 20 MPAs of the ruling are affiliated with the Tareen group. “Even two more MPAs have approached us to join the group,” he added.

He said that if the PML-N leadership assured them of tickets for the next elections then they would support their candidate for Punjab chief minister.

Read Opposition submits no-trust motion against Punjab CM Buzdar

However, he admitted that the pendency of presidential reference in the apex court is affecting the no-confidence move as MPAs are fearing the SC observations regarding lifetime disqualification.

Senior lawyers are also wondering as to why the top court is delaying the matter, saying a delay in deciding reference is translating into political advantages for the ruling party.

Meanwhile, a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker said that there was no chance that seven PPP MPAs will support Elahi’s nomination for Punjab CM.

It was also learnt that Elahi’s nomination remains disputed within PML-Q as over four MNAs are ready to support the no-confidence motion against PM.

However, political analysts believe that if PM Khan has nominated Elahi as chief minister with the consultation of powerful circles then disgruntled members would be compelled to support him.

They also say that if PTI claims are true that they are getting blessings from powerful circles then the situation will further get transparent in the next 48 hours.