Two PML-N lawmakers deny resignation plan

Former dissidents reiterate support to party after two group members quit

LAHORE:

Two PML-N MPAs have denied rumours of having defected from the party, giving their colleagues a much needed sigh of relief.

After the resignation of MPA Jalil Sharqpuri late on Saturday night, that was wisely timed by PML-Q to send a tremor in the PML-N camp, there were rumors that two more resignations of formerly estranged MPAs were on their way. It was claimed that MPAs Ashraf Ansari and Abu Hafs Ghiasuddin had decided to submit their resignations to the Punjab Assembly speaker.

The rumour had spread panic in PML-N circles as the resignations would have brought the difference between their and PTI's strength in the assembly down to one vote ahead of the by-polls.

Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari of the PTI is unlikely to vote for his party’s candidate.

Some PML-N MPAs who The Express Tribune talked to said they did not have any firsthand information but if the two members defected from the party at this time, it would deal a big blow as every vote would matter in the coming Punjab CM run-off elections.

Estranged PML-N MPA Faisal Niazi had recently tendered his resignation, while Sharqpuri also resigned on Saturday night,

which reduced the ruling coalition tally to 175 from 177.

These two MPAs were part of a group of five who had, according to the PML-N, ‘defected’ and their party membership had been revoked.

One of the MPAs had died, following which the PML-N had managed to claw back the seat.

Of the four remaining defectors, Sharqpuri, Ansari and Ghiasuddin had reconciled with the PML-N and held a meeting with Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz.

Faisal Niazi had announced that he would go his separate way, whereas things for the others seemed hunky dory.

MPA Ansari told The Express Tribune that he was standing firmly with the PML-N. He said that he had differences with the party, but after the meeting with the CM, their concerns were addressed.

He said he would continue to support the party irrespective of the election results.

MPA Ghiasuddin, talking to a TV channel, also asserted that his vote belonged to PML-N. However, he kept his phone switched off the entire day.

The PML-N earlier in the day released an audio message of his son Riaz Uddin, in which he said his father was with the party.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2022.