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

Editorial

A bloody year
Updated 07 Oct, 2024

A bloody year

Using the Oct 7 attacks as an excuse to wage endless aggression on Middle East, Israel has crossed all red lines.
Bleak cotton outlook
07 Oct, 2024

Bleak cotton outlook

THE extremely slow arrival of phutti at the ginning factories of Punjab and Sindh so far indicate a huge drop in the...
Killjoy neighbours
07 Oct, 2024

Killjoy neighbours

AT the worst of times in their bilateral relations, India and Pakistan have not shied away from carrying out direct...
Peak of success
06 Oct, 2024

Peak of success

IT started with the ascent of Nanga Parbat in 2017 and ended with the summit of Tibet’s Shishapangma on Thursday....
Indian visitor
06 Oct, 2024

Indian visitor

AMONGST the host of foreign dignitaries expected to fly into Islamabad for the SCO Council of Heads of Government...
Violence once again
Updated 06 Oct, 2024

Violence once again

The warring sides must rein in their worst impulses and prioritise the nation’s well-being over short-term gains.