PTI, PML-Q roll up sleeves to dethrone Hamza

Poised to dethrone Hamza Shehbaz as Punjab’s premier after conquering the ‘citadel’ of the Sharifs, the top leadership of both PTI and the PML-Q have instructed their lawmakers to stay in the provincial capital and not leave it till July 22 – the date for the run-off election for the office as ordered by the Supreme Court.

The parties have also directed their members of the provincial assembly to show up on a fateful day without fail.

During a meeting held in Lahore, Punjab Assembly Speaker Elahi – PTI’s candidate for the coveted slot – underscored that the PTI's win in the crucial by-polls was the success of Imran Khan's narrative.

He lauded Imran for successfully conveying his message to the nation through an effective campaign, adding that the people of Punjab have given their verdict in the PTI's favour by rejecting turncoats who switched loyalties for personal gains.

Sources said that the PML-Q leader also rang up the former prime minister to congratulate him on the landslide victory his party secured in the by-elections in 20 constituencies, grabbing 15 of them.

Furthermore, Elahi announced that the provincial assembly will remain in session till July 22 and the oath of new members will be administered as soon as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issues notification of their success.

Read ‘PTI defectors, tough economic decisions dealt blow to PML-N in Punjab by-polls’

A separate notification for the 40th session of the provincial assembly had also been issued as per the court's direction.

Speaking about the use of police against opponents in Sunday’s by-election, Elahi said that the law will take its course against those who opted for illegal actions.

Meanwhile, PTI leader and former Punjab minister Raja Basharat said now that Imran's narrative has stood vindicated in the Punjab by-elections, Hamza Shehbaz has no moral justification to remain in office.

Speaking to the media, he said the people of Punjab have completely rejected the PTI’s ‘turncoats’. “And even if Hamza does not resign, he will cease to be Punjab chief minister on July 22, 2022; the day of election for the Punjab chief minister,” he maintained.

He further said the results of the provincial by-elections have also put Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in an awkward situation as his powers have now been limited to Islamabad only.