Political stalwarts join PML-N as inclusion momentum grows

Sanaullah criticises Bilawal for turning 18th Constitutional Amendment into PPP’s slogan

LAHORE:

The momentum of notable political figures and former assembly members aligning with the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) continued, as a significant influx was recorded on Thursday.

In a significant development, former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Shehbaz Sharif officially announced the inclusion of several distinguished personalities from the political arena during a meeting.

The new additions to the PML-N included Maulana M Asif Muavia, Babar Khan Sial, Mrs Neelum Sial, Mehr Islam Bharwana, Sheikh M Younus and Khalid Mahmood Sargana, all of whom bring their extensive experience and expertise to the party.

Additionally, Chaudhry Khalid Ghani, Aamir Abbas Sial, Faisal Hayat Jabwana, Sheikh Yaqoob, Mrs Sheikh Yaqoob and Rais Muhammad Ibrahim also joined the PML-N, further enhancing the party's diverse and dynamic representation.

Sardar Riaz Khan Mazari, a prominent political figure from the Mazari tribe, and former Punjab Assembly deputy speaker Dost Muhammad Khan Mazari proudly declared their affiliation with the PML-N, signifying a strengthening bond with the party.

Shehbaz while extending a warm welcome to the new members expressed his heartfelt congratulations. "Muslim League (N) is a home that guarantees the progress and prosperity of Pakistan," he declared, emphasising the inclusive nature of the party.

Confident that the new members would play a pivotal role in accelerating Pakistan's development journey, Shehbaz highlighted the importance of collective efforts.

PML-N slams Bilawal

PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah criticised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for turning the 18th Constitutional Amendment into his party’s slogan, saying that the provinces could be further strengthened but there was no possibility of stripping them away of their powers.

“He (Bilawal) wants to mislead the smaller provinces into believing that the PML-N will reduce their powers if it comes to power,” he said while addressing a news conference at the party’s Model Town Secretariat. He was accompanied by PML-N Punjab General Secretary Awais Leghari and other leaders of the party.

The former interior minister said it was now part of the PML-N’s manifesto that the federal units should be made as strong as possible.

However, he added that his party wanted the authority of the provincial governments devolved to the district level and further down from there.

In a recent meeting with MQM-P leaders, the PML-N endorsed the local government system and said it sought the devolution of powers as well.

Sanaullah said his party did not fully agree on the new constituencies carved out by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and their appeals against them went largely unheeded.

However, he added that no matter what the new constituencies were, the PML-N was ready for the next general elections.

The former interior minister said PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s trip to Sindh had not been scheduled yet but he would visit the province soon.