Agreement: Newly elected lawmaker joins ruling party, gets his way

Top PML-N leader agree to conditions set by Chaudhry Riazul Haq

ISLAMABAD: Newly elected lawmaker Chaudhry Riazul Haq has joined the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) on his own terms, wresting control over allocation recommendations for development funds in his constituency.

Haq, who is also known as Juj, was elected as an independent candidate in the NA-144 by-election, defeating the PML-N contestant by a big margin.

According to sources, a few days ago, Haq met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif at his Model Town residence. Hamza Shahbaz was also present.

Sources said that Shahbaz and Hamza have already settled terms and conditions with Haq, granting him the power to decide development spending in his constituency. Haq also insisted that the Sharifs keep PML-N MPAs Mian Mohammad Munir and Mian Yawar Zaman away from local politics.

Munir and Zaman represent PP-190 and PP 191, respectively, which fall under NA 144.

According to PML-N sources, both Zaman and Munir misguided the party leadership and instead of Haq handed the party ticket to Chaudhry Ali Arif who was defeated in the by-election.

For the upcoming local government election, Haq will be given preference by the party leadership while awarding tickets to candidates.

The upcoming elections of chairperson of municipal committee and district chairpersonship would be discussed with Haq by the party leadership.

According to sources, Haq had earlier contacted PTI Punjab organiser Chaudhry Sarwar but they could not reach an agreement.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2015.