- Sanaullah says polls to be called if KP, Punjab assemblies dissolved
- PPP, PML-N vow to stop dissolution of Punjab Assembly
ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: Amid vigorous “wrangling” going on in the “hazy” political atmosphere of the country, former president and PPPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari Tuesday met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the PM’s House to discuss the current political scenario, especially the fallout of PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s decision to dissolve the Punjab and KPK provincial assemblies.
According to sources, both the leaders pondered over ways to counter the strategy of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman to prevent the dissolution of Punjab Assembly and weighed up various options to fail his [plan].
وزیراعظم شہباز شریف سے سابق صدر آصف علی زرداری کی ملاقات
دونوں قائدین کی ملاقات وزیر اعظم ہاؤس میں ہوئی
قائدین نے ملک کی مجموعی سیاسی صورتحال پر تبادلہ خیال کیا
ملاقات میں سیلاب متاثرین کی بحالی اور سردیوں کی آمد کے پیش نظر امدادی عمل کا جائزہ لیا گیا pic.twitter.com/vG7XMs56pm
— PML(N) (@pmln_org) November 29, 2022
The fresh meeting between the PPPP and PML-N top brass is part of the ongoing “hectic politicking” taking place ever since PTI Chief Imran Khan announced the party would quit the assemblies in Punjab and KP where it has been in rule. Reportedly, though both the stalwarts discussed different options during the PM’s House huddle, they, however, failed to come up with a remedial solution and only agreed to work together for failing “ambitions” of the PTI chairman.
The Zardari and Shehbaz huddle discussed various options including bringing a no-confidence motion and imposition of Governor’s Rule in Punjab. However, they fell short of adopting a clear line of action.
The former president assured complete support to the coalition partner PML-N in the Punjab Assembly.
‘Immediate polls will be held If KP, Punjab assemblies dissolved’
Meanwhile, responding to the threat by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to dissolve Punjab and KP provincial assemblies, Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanuallah stated that if such a step was taken, immediate elections would be held of both the assemblies.
Speaking to reporters, he said: “We will quickly hold by-polls after KP and Punjab assemblies are dissolved.” He claimed it would enable PML-N to be in a better position. He said that in light of receiving any such summary from the chief minister, the governor can constitutionally ask for a vote of confidence to be taken in the house.
About statement of outgoing COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa that the military had decided to be apolitical, Rana Sanaullah pointed out the decision was taken “at the institutional” level rather than individuals level.
If the military remains within its constitutionally defined role then, he said, it would help bring stability to the country. Rana Sanaullah reiterated that still there was a clear threat to the life of PTI Chief Imran Khan.
‘All out steps to stop dissolution of Punjab Assembly’
On the other hand, Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the PML-N had resolved to take all possible [measures] for stopping dissolution of the Punjab Assembly.
Talking to media after a meeting with a PPP delegation, led by its Parliamentary Leader in Punjab Assembly Hassan Murtaza, with the Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Hamza Shehbaz here, he said that political situation of the Punjab came under discussion in the meeting, adding the consultation process, initiated by the PML-N, had been moved forward.
He said that all options, including no-confidence motion, powers of governor to ask the chief minister for taking a vote of confidence from the assembly and others came under discussion to stop the dissolution of the assembly.
He said that both parties wanted that no one should steal mandate of people and it should be respected, adding that assemblies should complete their tenure. “Options that came under discussion would be further discussed and a course of action would be announced soon,” he added.
Tarar said that the meeting also discussed the anxiety found among the members of the Punjab Assembly, especially the members of the ruling coalition, over the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly. “The members are not in favour of dissolution of the assembly whereas many are also in touch with us,” he added. He said that It was also decided that the ties should be enhanced with the members of the coalition government in Punjab.
He said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary party had taken the shape of various groups, adding that all had a common stance that the Punjab Assembly should complete its constitutional tenure.
He said that the PPP and the PML-N smoothly completed the transition of the government in 2008 and 2013, in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution.
On this occasion, Hassan Murtaza thanked the PML-N for widening the consultation process and making coalition partners a part of it. He said that the PPP would stand shoulder to shoulder with its allies in the democratic struggle. “We took the responsibility for the nation and the country and it is not a power sharing but burden sharing,” he added.
