LAHORE, Oct 10: The PML-N may consider joining hands with the PML-Q provided the leaders of the ruling party stop issuing statements against the Sharif brothers and show seriousness about unifying the two factions.

A senior leader of the PML-N, who did not like to be named, said on Wednesday the matter had come under discussion at various levels in the past, but no progress could be made because of the frequent anti-Sharifs statements by some leaders of the ruling party.

“Perhaps the leaders of the PML-Q can’t come out of the influence of Gen Pervez Musharraf,” he said.

The PML-N leader said at a time when Gen Musharraf had given unprecedented concessions to strike a deal with Benazir Bhutto, the leaders of the PML factions thought of getting together.

The PML-N leaders have been saying that they can allow all ruling PML leaders to rejoin the PML-N except those who have been working against the Sharifs, or those who had stabbed the party in the back.