Provincial politicking: Internal dissent divides PML-N

Muqam, Shah struggling to gain provincial control.


Abdur Rauf October 23, 2012

PESHAWAR:


The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) provincial chapter is caught up in resolving internal disputes and discerning voices among party ranks, months ahead of the general elections.


Resolving differences between the party’s provincial president Pir Sabir Shah and central vice-president Amir Muqam remains on top of the party’s agenda. Muqam joined the PML-N seven months ago after quitting the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q).

A PML-N leader familiar with the matter said that differences between Muqam and Shah exist over the control of the party in the province. Both politicians are active and influential.

A reconciliatory effort failed several days ago during a public meeting in Swabi where Muqam and his supporters did not show up. Another public meeting, which is being arranged by Nasir Musazai—a close confidant of Shah and the party’s provincial secretary for information—will be held in Urmar-Payan in Peshawar to patch things up. Muqam will be contesting from NA-4 Peshawar constituency, which includes the Urmar-Payan area.

Musazai confirmed the meeting, which will be attended by senior leaders Chaudhry Nisar, Raja Zafarul Haq, Sardar Mehtab Abbassi, Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, and Pir Sabir Shah.

The inclusion of Muqam in the meeting will send a message of unity, Musazai said.

PML-N provincial general secretary Rahmat Salam Khattak said it was the party’s prerogative to decide who to invite to the meeting. He denied the existence of any differences among members.

Muqam maintains that his busy schedule did not allow him to attend public gatherings in Swabi. He insisted, however, that those who arrange the meeting decide on the participants and not the party’s president. Commenting on the upcoming meeting at Urmar, Muqam said that he will see if his schedule permits him to attend.

A meeting was held between Muqam and PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif in Raiwind, Lahore on Monday. Muqam said that Sharif honoured the commitments that were made when he joined the party and his reservations were addressed in writing.

He acknowledged that differences between him and Shah exist, adding that he met Shah a few days ago and had a good meeting. Shah was not available for comments.

“Until genuine efforts are undertaken to resolve differences among Shah and Muqam, the party will face setbacks as a political force in the region,” said an insider source.

PML-N’s youth wing also remains inactive since youth president Captain Safdar, was suspended over an “irresponsible” statement against Shah and Mehtab Abbasi. Safdar was served a show-cause notice and asked to reply within 10 days. The matter has been in limbo for around four months.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23rd, 2012.

COMMENTS (6)

Pro Truth | 11 years ago | Reply

What stops PML-N workers to ask for resignation of Shareef brothers after the Asghar Case outcome. That would have happen in any democratic party and normal practise. If shareef brothers holding the party back, why not new leaders come out and lead the party forward! This will also pave the way to join all the factions of league!

Kaleem | 11 years ago | Reply

@Khan Good bye to party which has credit for conducting nuclear tests and restoring judiciary? These two have proved power houses for us. PTI is in no position to clean sweep or win 137 seats,take out PML-N and we will have another 5 years of corrupt alliance.

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