–Both parties commence informal preparations for upcoming Senate polls
–JUI-F chief still resisting the decision
–Sharif gives green signals to Sharif loyalists to get favourable decision
ISLAMABAD: While the formal decision by Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) about taking part in the Senate elections is yet to be made, at least two major parties of the opposition alliance, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). have initiated preparations for the by-elections.
Informed sources in both the parties divulged to Pakistan Today that the PPP has begun finalising its lists for the Senate elections and the upcoming by-elections, the PML-N has also started taking steps for the debate.
The source said that, for the time being, the PML-N is divided on the option of taking part in the bye-elections and subsequent Senate polls.
It merits mentioning here that the PML-N is set to lose its majority in the upper house in the upcoming Senate elections as 17 Senators from its senior lot would retire in March 2021, including Senator Raja Zafarul Haq, Pervez Rasheed, Mushahidullah Khan, Javed Abbasi, Prof Sajid Mir and Saleem Zia.
The PPP would also suffer as its senior leaders like Rehman Malik, Farooq H Naek, Sherry Rehman, Saleem Mandviwala and others would complete their six-year term.
The source said that the internal differences in the PML-N have begun to emerge and Maryam Nawaz and Shehbaz groups stand divided. The source claimed that Maryam’s group was in favour of boycotting the by-elections and the Senate elections while Shehbaz’s group was in favour of contesting the elections.
“Both the sides are trying hard to convince Nawaz Sharif to take a decision as per their proposals. Shehbaz Sharif has also asked the Senate candidates to get ready for polls,” the source added.
“Though the PML-N stands divided over taking part in the upcoming elections, a strong group led by Mian Shehbaz Sharif has started preparations. Shehbaz Sharif has given green-light signal to at least three retiring Senators for the ticket including Pervez Rashid, Raja Zafarul Haq and Mushahidullah Khan – all considered close to Nawaz Sharif,” a senior PML-N leader said, requesting anonymity.
The source said that Shehbaz wanted the trio to influence Nawaz so that Maryam may not oppose the decision once Nawaz is convinced.
“Since Pervez Rasheed is considered very close to Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif, awarding him a ticket would help him convince Maryam Nawaz to contest the polls. And Maryam Nawaz has no choice now as the PPP has already taken a decision to contest the polls. Maryam Nawaz cannot afford to annoy Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari,” the source said.
The source added that the PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, however, was adamant on boycotting the Senate polls.
“Convincing Fazl would be a huge task for both Bilawal and Maryam Nawaz. Fazl has been refusing for the time being. But the other parties may convince him later,” the source said.
On the other hand, the PPP leadership is thinking to introduce new faces from Sindh to the Senate, in which many names are under consideration.
The source said that the PPP is planning to get Naek back to the Senate but added that new faces would also be brought to the Senate.
“Sassi Palejo is being considered for inclusion in the Sindh cabinet after her retirement, while Saleem Mandviwala is also being considered for a key role in the Sindh cabinet. PPP has decided to also contest by-elections for three National and Provincial Assembly seats in Sindh. Meanwhile, PML-N and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) are considering supporting the PPP candidate in Sanghar and Malir,” the source concluded.
