PML-Q's Shujaat denies reports of rift in party, says all decisions taken with his 'consent'

Published March 29, 2022
The combination of photos shows PML-Q leaders Chaudhry Pervez Elahi (L) and Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. — Pictures via Twitter
The combination of photos shows PML-Q leaders Chaudhry Pervez Elahi (L) and Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. — Pictures via Twitter

PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on Tuesday denied reports of a rift within the Chaudhry family and the party, saying all decisions taken had his "complete backing".

His statement comes a day after the PML-Q finally put its weight behind embattled Prime Minister Imran Khan as he faces a no-trust motion by the opposition in the National Assembly in exchange for the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) announcing Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi as its candidate for Punjab chief minister after incumbent Usman Buzdar presented his resignation to the prime minister.

The PML-Q is a crucial ally of the PTI government in Punjab and Centre, with 10 and five seats, respectively, and the Chaudhrys support to PM Imran Khan is being seen as a revival of his hopes to save his government.

Dawn reported that the PML-Q camp was happy to get the lucrative offer from the government, however, some in the Chaudhry family were not happy about going with the PTI, and their discussions over the issue continued till late in the night.

Geo News had reported yesterday that there was a split among the Chaudhrys after their party's MNA, Tariq Bashir Cheema, resigned as federal minister and said he would vote in favour of the opposition's no-trust motion – in clear defiance of his party. The TV channel reported that other PML-Q lawmakers were expected to follow Cheema's line.

Denying the impression of an internal split, Shujaat said those who wanted to gain political mileage by "falsely propagating differences" would end up disappointed. "Some rumours were being pushed and circulated about alleged differences within our family," he noted, terming these reports "baseless".

"I do not believe in [giving] explanations but I would like to say that I am considered the head of the family," he said, adding that "an opinion on a particular issue should not be presented as a decision with an intent to exploit it for political gains."

The number of youth, according to him, in the current assembly was more than that in the previous assemblies. "It would be wrong to accuse them of any wrongdoing."

Allegations of bribery were "uncalled-for", he said, adding that "wise and educated people do not like such terms".

Shujaat said his family was spread all over Pakistan, and not just Punjab, for the last 50 years and reiterated that all decisions in the family were taken with his consent.

Opinion

Gaza and AI warfare

Gaza and AI warfare

One can safely assume that accountability has collapsed when a machine recommends a target and a human merely clicks ‘confirm’.

Editorial

Time for restraint
26 Apr, 2025

Time for restraint

THESE are dangerous times in the subcontinent, and there is a need for both Pakistan and India to show restraint, ...
A wise decision
26 Apr, 2025

A wise decision

GOOD sense seems to have finally prevailed, with the federal government deferring the planned canal projects,...
‘Fake’ Pakistanis
26 Apr, 2025

‘Fake’ Pakistanis

THE revelation is shocking. Hundreds of individuals holding Pakistani passports who were detained by the Saudi...
Wheat worries
25 Apr, 2025

Wheat worries

PUNJAB’S farmers are enraged. They are not getting what they call a fair price for their wheat harvest this year...
Ending rabies
25 Apr, 2025

Ending rabies

RABIES remains one of Pakistan’s most deadly, yet neglected public health crises. Across the country, hundreds die...