LAHORE, Dec 22: Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali met various political leaders in Lahore and Gujranwala on Sunday to muster their support for the Dec 30 vote of confidence.
He called on PML-Jinnah patron and former chief minister Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo and PML-N MNA Pervaiz Malik in the city before flying to Ahmadnagar in the Gujranwala district to see PML-C president and MNA Chaudhry Hamid Nasir Chattha.
The Wattoo and Chattha factions have three seats in the National Assembly, whereas MNA Pervaiz Malik is stated to be a “personal friend” of Zafarullah Jamali.
Before the election of the prime minister, Pervaiz Malik was seen among the PML-N circles as a “potential defector.”
Jamali’s meeting with Mr Wattoo at the latter’s residence lasted two hours.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, the prime minister said his meeting with the former chief minister was part of his efforts to unify the Muslim League.
“We are trying to create a congenial political atmosphere in the country and that’s why I am meeting all politicians to make them play their role for national unity,” he said.
Stressing the need for national integrity, Jamali said he wanted to take everybody along.
Present on the occasion, the PML-Jinnah chief said all PML factions, including the PML-N, should be approached for unification.
Replying to a question, he said his camp had already voted for Zafarullah Jamali during the prime minister’s election and would do the same on Dec 30.
ARD: About the ARD plan to launch a protest campaign, the prime minister said the present government belonged to everyone. “Against whom the ARD would launch the campaign. Will they protest against the elected government which also belongs to them. If they are bent upon doing so, it is their own sweet will,” he said.
He said the issue of the PML-Q general secretary would be resolved through ballot.
Before leaving for Gujranwala, the prime minister met PML-N MNA Pervaiz Malik at his residence.
APP ADDS: The prime minister who stayed in Ahmadnagar (Gujranwala) for about two hours discussed the current political situation with Hamid Nasir Chattha. He said the political parties should prefer country’s integrity and solidarity by setting aside their differences.
Jamali said that he had discussions with political leaders in a pleasant atmosphere to promote understanding and reconciliation that would have positive impact on the nation and the country.
Chattha said he wanted the present government to complete its tenure.
Earlier, on his arrival at Ahmadnagar, the prime minister was accorded a warm welcome by hamid Nasir Chattha, local political leaders and senior officials.
