LAHORE: The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), a key coalition partner of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government in Punjab, on Saturday alleged that Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar was not letting Chief Minister Usman Buzdar exercise his constitutional powers freely.

In a leaked video, PML-Q leaders Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and Federal Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema are seen to be complaining about Chaudhry Sarwar to PTI former secretary general Jahangir Tareen at the former’s residence.

Mr Cheema is heard saying: “Sir (Tareen) control Sarwar. Mr Elahi endorsed Cheema’s request...yes control this Sarwar.” Cheema went on saying “Sarwar will not let your chief minister perform his duties freely.”

Mr Elahi also said (opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly) Hamza Shahbaz only targeted him and Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In the leaked video, Punjab Assembly speaker complains the governor isn’t letting CM Buzdar work freely

As the video went viral Mr Elahi called a press conference at his residence and played down differences with Chaudhry Sarwar.

“I have very good relations with Sarwar Sahib. In such meetings, discussing complaints of members are normal,” he said, adding Mr Cheema had talked about interference of (Chaudhry Sarwar) in his constituency. “I have talked to Chaudhry Sarwar who said that Mr Cheema is an outspoken person and talks openly.” He parried a question regarding Mr Sarwar’s interference in the work of the chief minister.

Reaffirming the PML-Q’s ties with the PTI, Mr Elahi said it was a routine matter to discuss grievances of party members among coalition partners. “Our alliance with Imran Khan and PTI is going smoothly. During the meeting with Mr Tareen we talked about the Senate by-election (on two Punjab seats),” he added.

The speaker further said Mr Cheema mentioned his complaint about “interference in his constituency” with his ally (Tareen) and it was not unusual.

“It should not be given any hype. If the lawmakers do not talk about their problems openly and such are not redressed then its impact is seen in the secret ballot (in parliamentary polls),” he said.

Clarifying further, Mr Elahi said both Governor Sarwar and CM Buzdar had been nominated by PTI chairman and Prime Minister Khan and “we have very good relations with them”.

In reply to a question, he said Usman Buzdar was performing well and he had full backing of the coalition lawmakers.

Mr Elahi said that during the past 10 years, nobody dared complain because of Shahbaz Sharif’s fear but “we have always welcomed complaints and criticism with an open heart”.

Soon after this episode, Governor Sarwar went to the office of the chief minister and held a meeting with him.

The governor’s spokesperson was not available for comment on the matter.

A source told Dawn that Mr Tareen after the meeting with Mr Elahi called on PM Imran Khan in Lahore and told him about the grievances of the PML-Q leaders. He said the governor in his meeting with certain PTI MPAs was giving an impression that he was `equally powerful’ in the province and had interfered in some transfer and postings.

“Mr Cheema on the other hand was annoyed with Chaudhry Sarwar for supporting his opponents in his constituency,” he said.

When contacted, Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hasan Chohan said: “The chief minister is fully empowered to perform his duties. All treasury members and ministers not only accept his authority but also help him in execution of his orders.”

A PML-Q spokesman told Dawn that the leak was a mistake. “In normal practice the video of a meeting is released but its voice is muted. But in this case the voice remained on unintentionally,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2018