CHAKWAL, Dec 11:  The top leadership of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is trying to convince Sardar Ghulam Abbas, a heavyweight politician in Chakwal, who joined Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) in November 2011, to join PML-N.

A local political leader revealed that a deal had almost been struck between Sardar Ghulam Abbas and PML-N’s high command and a formal announcement was expected, in the coming days.

If Sardar Ghulam Abbas joins PML-N, it would be a setback for PTI, which is already on the back foot ever since the PML-N swept the by-elections.

A local political worker, close to Sardar Ghulam Abbas disclosed that Khawaja Asif personally met Ghulam Abbas and offered him to join PML N.

Mr Abbas was offered a ticket for the national assembly seat NA 61, Chakwal.

MPA Malik Zahoor Anwar Awan (PP 23) and Malik Salim Iqbal, both prominent politicians from Talagang, played a role in convincing Sardar Ghulam Abbas to join PML-N, said the political worker.

Although workers of PML-N are not happy with the move.

“The politics in Chakwal is based on two factions, first is Sardar Group and the second Anti-Sardar Group. Another name for Anti-Sardar Group is called PML-N”, says a local leader of the PML-N.

“I would never accept Sardar Ghulam Abbas in the party as I always fought against Sardar Group”, the PML-N leader informed.

Apparently Sardar Ghulam Abbas may give PML-N a boost in the district through his large vote bank but his inclusion in the party would cause many fissures as its local leaders like Chaudhry Liaquat Ali Khan (District President), Ayaz Amir (MNA), Pir Nisar Qasim and many others would not be ready to work with Sardar Ghulam Abbas, a person who has been their arch political rival in the district.

When contacted, Sardar Ghulam Abbas said that he could not say anything on the phone. Chaudhry Liaquat Ali Khan when approached said: “I’m not able to say anything in this regard for the next two to three days”.

However he said that he would accept the decision of the party’s top leadership.

When contacted, PML-N leader Khawaja Asif while refuting any meeting with Sardar Ghulam Abbas said that he was not aware of any such development.