Three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting at the Governor’s House on Wednesday to discuss ways and means for bolstering the PML-N prospects in southern Punjab in the February 8 general elections, just a day after securing a major deal with the MQM-P.
At the same time, Nawaz will visit Balochistan next week [Nov 13] where, sources say, a seat-adjustment deal is expected between the PML-N and the BAP (Balochistan Awami Party), as the former prime minister wants to develop a party image which shows support across Pakistan.
He will hold meetings with important leaders from different political parties as it is expected several prominent personalities will join the PML-N.
Meanwhile, the reported visit to Balochistan has great political significance due to the fact that it was removal of the PML-N in the province through defections that set the tone for the political drama to come.
Hence, Nawaz has seemingly chosen Balochistan for the planned countrywide tour as his first stop for the very reason.
Earlier, senior party leader Sardar Ayaz Sadiq had visited the province for strengthening party organisation – a task assigned to him, which covers the entire country.
On Wednesday, PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz who is the party’s chief organiser, provincial head Rana Sanaullah, close aide Pervaiz Rashid and other senior figures accompanied Nawaz Sharif at the gathering hosted by Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman.
The sources say Nawaz directed the PML-N leaders to strengthen the party organisation and contact local elders for attracting voters in southern Punjab.
Earlier, the former prime minister arrived at the Governor’s House for offering condolences to Rehman over the demise of his wife.