IN a major political development, PML(N) supremo Mian Nawaz Sharif visited Lahore residence of PML(Q) chief Chaudhdary Shaujaat Hussain to inquire about his health and discuss the prevailing political situation in the country, especially with reference to the forthcoming general elections. As a consequence of their hour-long discussions, which were also joined by other senior leaders of the two parties, the two sides agreed to prepare proposals for an electoral alliance. They decided to form committees to sort out details for seat adjustment for National and Punjab assemblies.
It was, indeed, a landmark development as the meeting between the two stalwarts took place after fifteen long years and augurs well for both of them as their mutual cooperation would brighten their election prospects in the country’s largest province. In fact, the ice started melting and leaders of the two parties remained positively engaged following the decision of Ch. Shujaat Hussain to extend a helping hand to the PDM in its bid to overthrow the PTI Government through a vote of no-confidence. Ch. Shujaat is a firm proponent of ‘forget and forgive’ and wants like-minded people and parties to join hands for the sake of the country and its people. His party suffered politically due to the decision of Ch. Pervez Ilahi to join the opposite camp disregarding advice of Ch. Shujaat Hussain. Later, Pervez Ilahi merged his faction with PTI but his political future hangs in balance as he could not promote his agenda in the new party except getting a somewhat symbolic office of the central President. In arriving at an understanding with PML(Q), PML(N) has further improved its position in Punjab, where the electoral battle will determine the shape and composition of the future set up. PML(Q) will also gain politically due to the timely decision of sorting out issues with the PML(N) with the possibility of acquiring some important positions in the province and at the centre. Wednesday’s meeting between the top leaders of PML(N) and PML(Q) and its outcome has transmitted two distinct messages: PML(Q) will not merge with any party and instead enter into seat adjustment; and that there are slim chances of electoral alliance between PML(Q) and PPP despite good personal rapport between their top leadership.
