PML-Q shuns seat adjustment with PML-N

The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) declared on Friday its decision to forgo seat adjustment with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for the upcoming February 8 general election, citing "double standards."

According to an official statement released by the PML-Q, the decision was taken during an emergency meeting chaired by Shujaat Hussain.

“The PML-Q has always played a role in the development and prosperity of Pakistan and its people and will continue to do so,” the party said. It accused the PML-N of issuing tickets to candidates who would directly compete against PML-Q's own nominees.

Therefore, the party resolved not to subject its candidates to such "double standards" and said it would not engage in seat adjustment with the PML-N.

Also read: IPP says seat adjustment with PML-N finalised

The statement quoted Shujaat's son, Salik, emphasising that the PML-N should issue tickets to its candidates in Gujrat, a stronghold for PML-Q. He asserted that PML-Q's candidates would stand firm with the party, prepared to face competition without seeking seat adjustments.

It is pertinent to note that the development followed recent revelations that Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, instrumental in assisting the PML-N-led coalition in ousting former premier Imran Khan in 2022, was accommodated by the PML-N with only four seats—two each for the National and Punjab assemblies.

Notably, NA-64 and PP-31 Gujrat were left open for Salik and Shafey, Shujaat Hussain's sons, while the PML-N declined seats for Wajahat Hussain and his son Musa Elahi on National Assembly seats in Gujrat.

Meanwhile, the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), housing PTI deserters, faced limited seat allocations from the PML-N for the upcoming general elections, adding to the political dynamics leading up to the crucial February 8 polls.