LAHORE: The PML-Q has begun restructuring the party in Punjab to actively take part in local body elections.

A meeting of party leaders was held here on Wednesday presided over by its president, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, PML-Q senior leader and former deputy prime minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said the party’s reorganisation had started and the first farmers convention would be held on Sept 16 in Gujranwala and second in Kasur.

“In connection with reorganisation, conventions will be held in all provinces,” he added.

Pervaiz alleged the PML-N had destroyed local bodies during the last eight years. He said the PML-Q would fully and actively participate in local body elections and its district presidents issue tickets. He said the elections in Punjab should be held on the same day.

“Provincial members of the election commission should resign as nobody trusts them anymore over their failure to hold free and fair elections in 2013. Transparent elections cannot be held under them,” he added.

Replying to a question, the PML-Q leaders said former president Asif Ali Zardari had demanded action against those responsible for the Model Town tragedy, including Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and former provincial minister Rana Sanaullah. He also asked as to why no action was taken on a leaked CCTV footage of Punjab minister Rana Mashhood and money laundering statement of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

“There has been a loss of Rs80 billion in the Nandipur Power Project, but no action has been taken against those involved in this crime,” he claimed.

Pervaiz said a grand opposition alliance against the government was a need of the hour. Expressing solidarity with the armed forces and paying homage to slain soldiers, the PML-Q announced observing Sept 6 enthusiastically.

MNA Tariq Bashir Cheema, Chaudhry Zaheeruddin, Basharat Raja, Sardar Maqsood Leghari, Nauman Langrial, Shafay Hussain, Dr Azeemuddin Zahid Lakhvi, Mian Munir and Khurrum Munawar Manj were also present at the meeting.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2015

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