Moonis meets Imran to defuse PTI, PML-Q tensions after Elahi's remarks

Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Moonis Elahi met former premier Imran Khan in Lahore on Sunday, assuring him of his party's support despite remarks by Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi denouncing his criticism of former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Earlier in the day, the Punjab CM hit out at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran's recent comments alleging that former chief of army staff (COAS) General (retd) Bajwa was involved in a conspiracy to topple the PTI government.

“I was very offended when Imran Khan spoke against Gen (retd) Bajwa,” said Pervaiz Elahi, adding that “Bajwa sahib is our benefactor, and one should not speak against their benefactors.”

Read more: Imran promises ‘no action’ against Gen Bajwa after coming into power

Speaking informally with journalists, the CM also held that the former army chief had “done a lot” for the PTI chief, and that “favours should not be forgotten”.

“If there is any further talk against Gen (retd) Bajwa, then my party and I would be the first ones to defend him,” he warned.

To defuse the tension between the allied PTI and PML-Q, Moonis Elahi reached Imran Khan's residence in Zaman Park, with senior PTI leader Chaudhry Fawad Hussain also present during the meeting.

Moonis informed Imran about his position regarding Pervaiz Elahi's remarks and took the former premier into confidence over his father's statement.

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Sources said that the meeting lasted for 20 minutes, after which Moonis left Zaman Park.

The meeting took place almost at the same time when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, who is Moonis' uncle.

Shehbaz inquired about Shujaat's health and presented a bouquet during the meeting which took place at the PML-Q chief's residence in Lahore. The two leaders discussed the political situation of the country, with the premier apprising the PML-Q chief about steps taken by the government to fix the economy and give relief to masses.

Both leaders were of the view that political stability and close cooperation was necessary to bring the country out of the problems it is currently facing.

In the meeting, special consideration was given to the political situation in Punjab and the course of action was decided in case PTI dissolves Punjab Assembly.