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PML-Q to take up issues with Imran as differences deepen
LAHORE: The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) has decided to take up a host of issues with Prime Minister Imran Khan after Chief Minister Usman Buzdar failed to placate the Chaudhrys of Gujrat.
“There is a host of issues the PML-Q is having with the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), particularly in Punjab. Our differences with the PTI have deepened as our party is being kept out of the consultative process. Now the time has come to take up the matter with PM Imran Khan to decide the future of the coalition,” PML-Q information secretary Kamil Ali Agha told Dawn on Saturday.
Chief Minister Buzdar on Friday night visited the residence of PML-Q leader and Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi after the lone minister of the party, Hafiz Ammar Yasir, in the Punjab cabinet handed over his resignation to the PML-Q leadership citing “undue interference” in his mines and mineral ministry by the PTI.
Punjab CM fails to placate Chaudhrys of Gujrat
Mr Buzadr’s effort to resolve the resignation issue could not succeed as he failed to convince Mr Elahi to ask Mr Yasir to withdraw his resignation.
“We joined the coalition in the best interest of the country, but we are not being taken into confidence in decision making. Our lawmakers are facing problems in solution of problems of the people of their constituencies. Besides, the PTI had promised us two ministries each in Punjab and the Centre, but it has yet to honour its commitment,” Mr Agha said.
In the coalition “no importance” was being given to the PML-Q, he said. “We have remained in coalitions in the past but have never faced such discrimination,” he said.
The PML-Q leader also complained about CM Buzdar’s “callous attitude” towards the issues raised by PML-Q lawmakers. “Despite problems of PML-Q MPAs being brought to the knowledge of the chief minister, no remedial measures have been taken to address them during the last two months,” he said.
“Instead of pushing the PML-Q against the wall, the PTI leadership should come forward and resolve the matter before it’s too late,” Mr Agha said.
In his resignation note, PML-Q minister Yasir had pointed out “unwarranted interference, undue pressure and hurdles” in his ministry since he assumed the portfolio over four months ago. “Owing to undue pressure and hurdles, I can no longer perform my duty, therefore, I resign,” the minister had stated.
Cracks within the ruling coalition started appearing this week after Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry’s remarks about creating a forward bloc in the PML-Q that prompted a strong reaction from the party compelling him to apologise (to the Chaudhrys).
Both in Punjab and at the Centre, the PML-Q is an important ally with 10 MPAs and five MNAs, respectively. As the PTI is ruling, particularly in Punjab, with a thin majority, it may not afford to lose PML-Q support.
Earlier in the elections for the office of Punjab chief minister and president as well as Senate polls, the PML-Q leadership had reportedly made inroads in the opposition, particularly PML-Nawaz, and secured votes for the coalition candidates.
When contacted, the prime minister’s spokesman Nadeem Afzal Chan said that differences among the coalition partners were not unusual. “We [the PTI and PML-Q] will sit together and resolve the issues amicably,” he said, adding that there was no serious threat to the coalition.
Asked whether the prime minister had invited the Chaudhrys to discuss this matter with him, Mr Chan said: “Meetings between the prime minister and the PML-Q leadership have been held in the past and they can meet now as well to resolve the issues.”
Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2019
Comments (33) Closed
Total failures of PTI Government.
This government is standing with just 6 votes!
Will PTI government survive through 2019, is now a valid bet.
A high stake political game is in the offing. It is quite obvious that Q-League by carrying out this political maneuvering, at a time when PTI is loggerhead with the opposition, on a frivolous issue, is merely blackmailing to draw extra political concessions. Chaudaries of Gujarati in the recent past did the same thing to NL & knowing their nuisance value in Punjab govt, having thin majority because of their 10 members support,Is applying same tactics.
As expected this unscrupulous coalition partner was bound to go for a lion’s share in this game of thrones one way or the other.The dye has been cast & PTI has not much space to wiggle out of this uncompromising situation. With such strange bedfellows the present Punjab govt.,from now on must watch its steps lest any tripping may cost it dearly in holding on to provincial govt. as well as in the center too.
It is really sad to see that the new govt.having basket full of problems is bogged down with such issue due to such blackmailing.
@Javed, let the Govt fall new elections should be held PTI will win with majority will not need these people
PTI would like to get rid of support of MQM and PML-Q, so they can get rid of govt responsibility!! They have realized that its much easier to be in opposition!!
Blackmailers. They did the same to Zardari who sent them "very happy indeed". Doubt if IK will do the same.
It's too late now for other parties. The old ways are done. People now know what happens in politics of Pakistan and who is their only choice going forward. PPP minus Zardari is the only real opposition. PMLN is history.
I don’t believe in this Chaudhry system.
If new election are held PTI will easily win a majority and won’t need the support of these two blackmailing parties
@Amjad Durrani Engineer USA. Beautifully summed up. I'd just add, the people also make a huge difference and our nation is not ready or forgiving enough to let a new government sort itself out.
@Omer, yes PTI has realised governance is difficult but at least they are making an effort to govern, noon and ppp simply let beucracy run government themselves as long as they got their cut in every deal.
why do our leaders take media as a pressure tactic towards partner? We do not have tolerance or what??
Old habits die hard. Once a fraudster, always a blackmailer.
@Aamir, Why not? If they start putting them in jail for corruption cases which they did, who would be able to topple the government. Don’t undermine government.
This always happens when you have politicians on attractive posts, Federal or Provincial Minister-ship, they must be replaced with technocrats, the elected members' job is to make laws only, NOT to sit in office, only in Parliament.
It is sad that the issues being raised are not mentioned.. be specific what exactly did you ask and not get??
@Strategist, Agreed. Thank you.
Did they ask for health care? Public service? What exactly are their demands?
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, Good comments. Q- league a proven Brutus of the past is once again going for the kill, by putting their grip on PTI’s jugular vein (Punjab Government) and the ruling party has no other option but to oblige. One can see thick and dark clouds of political uncertainty gathering fast on the horizon. Let us expect worst but keep hoping for the best.
@BhaRAT,
Keep dreaming...
The people of Pakistan know the history of PML Q and there are always there where is power, a true bunch of opportunists as they were with Nawaz then Musharaf and as PTI has a thin majority and under pressure from the opposition so this is a right time to boThey are just loyal to their interests and not dependable partner.
A mountain is being made out of a mole hill - no matter what the difference - the alternative for PMLQ is always worse - if PPP and PMLN move on from dynasty politics then they have a chance
Government will complete even 2 years
Political blackmail in the offing??
The opportunitist Chaudhary brothers are at it again.
@BhaRAT, pti should call elections
There will be NO need of coalitions, Ethaad or any other blackmailing if current Assembly change the Elections Qualifications Laws and one of the very important point, all who want to contest elections or even candidates, at all levels, from Union Council to Provincial and Federal Levels, must be living in the same constituencies for a minimum of 12 months and their kids are studying in Government Public Schools,as a basic qualifications besides other requirements.
It is mean on the part of PML Q to create hurdles at time when PTI is facing tough time at hands pf PPP and PML N. If PTI had not held their hand no body will know their name in next five years.
The Chaudhrys have had a big hand in corruption and should warrant a major investigation into their wealth.
These Chaudhry brothers are nothing but trouble
Why are people considering mqm and pmlq to be blackmailed when their issues have not been addressed. The fact of the matter is PTI"s commitment towards its allied partners have not been met. Where does the blackmailing element come in. PTI voters and sympathisers must look the situation from an objective point of view rather than subjective.
Nothing but the normal result of a coalition government "Blackmailing"
The Chaudri brothers became a liability for Pervaiz Musharraf soon they will be liability for IK. The brothers are old political players and want to play politics the old way, not sure why IK made the two part of coalition.