PML-N’s hand ‘stronger to stitch together govt’

LAHORE:

As the political chessboard sees its pieces shifting and alliances forming in the aftermath of the Feb 8 vote, the PML-N’s hand appeared stronger on Monday to pull off the task of stitching together a federal government – without splitting the baby as it holds extensive consultations with allies on nitty-gritty.

Following the post-Feb 8 vote whirlwind, where no party emerged as a simple majority, the PML-N and PPP have been engaged in a strategic tango to form a central government with the support of their allies.

The PML-N, in particular, is burning the midnight oil to piece together a government in the Centre, Punjab, and Balochistan.

Meanwhile, as political wheeling and dealing also reached a fever pitch, seven freshly elected members of the Punjab Assembly joined PML-N, meeting with the party's chief organizer, Maryam Nawaz.

Sohail Khan from PP-240 Bahawalnagar, Khurram Virk from PP-48 Sialkot, and Shehzada Gazin Abbasi from PP-249 Ahmed Pur Sharqia were among the MPAs making the strategic move.

Joining the ranks were Khizar Mazarr from Rajanpur, Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Saqib Chadhar from Chiniot, and Rana Fayyas from Pasroor.

During the meeting, Maryam hailed the decision of the independent candidates, saying it was a game-changer in providing facilities to the common people. Meanwhile, the independents expressed complete confidence in the prowess of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif.

Simultaneously, behind closed doors at the residence of PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, political activities buzzed with intensity.

Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) president Abdul Aleem Khan and newly elected National Assembly member Awn Chaudhry arrived at the former prime minister’s residence, according to party sources.

The two leaders delved into a detailed discussion on the current political landscape and government formation.

'PM after consultations'

Meanwhile, in a press conference at the party secretariat in Model Town, PML-N's Deputy Secretary General Attaullah Tarar hinted at the party's strength to pull off the task of creating a federal government.

However, he said that the selection of their prime ministerial candidate would be announced only after reaching a thorough consensus with political allies.

Tarar revealed discussions with the PPP and MQM-P were underway for the Centre, coupled with efforts to rope in newly elected members into the party.

Tarar expressed confidence in the PML-N's ability to establish a government in Punjab as the party attained a simple majority in the province.

The PML-N leader underlined the importance of proper consensus among all political allies before announcing the candidate for the premiership. Tarar extended congratulations to all PML-N workers, elected members, and leaders for the anticipated government formation in Punjab.

Regarding the election results, Tarar said there were certain elements that had prematurely celebrated success based on the initial 25 per cent result announcement. However, he pointed out that when final results were announced, these elements began alleging electoral malpractice and raised concerns about rigging.

Tarar admitted that prominent PML-N figures, including Rana Sanaullah, Mian Javed Latif, Sheikh Rohail Asghar, and Khawaja Saad Rafique, had lost their seats. He argued that if there had been rigging by the PML-N, these seats could not have been lost.

Despite the losses, he said the party had gracefully accepted electoral results in areas where they faced defeat.

Meanwhile, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb dismissed premature claims about the party's PM candidate, asserting that senior leader Khawaja Muhammad Asif's statement was being taken out of context.

maintained that the final decision would only be made after due consultation with political allies, promising transparency in the process.

The PML-N, despite notable losses in seats held by prominent figures like Rana Sanaullah and Mian Javed Latif, remains undeterred, gracefully accepting defeat in areas where electoral results did not favour them.

It is pertinent to note that the PML-N and PPP, with 75 and 54 seats respectively, are engaged in constructive discussions.

A recent meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari at Bilawal House in Lahore, though shrouded in mystery, is seen as a pivotal moment in shaping the political landscape.

With the PTI-backed independent candidates leading with at least 93 seats in the National Assembly polls, the political arena is alive with speculations. The PML-N, however, continues to navigate the complex terrain with a mix of confidence and careful strategy.