CHAKWAL, Feb 13: At a meeting in Islamabad a few days ago, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, a leader of the PML-N in Rawalpindi division, dismissed supporters’ fears that a rival, Sardar Ghulam Abbas, would be joining the party.

PML-N leaders claim that no decisions will be taken against the wishes of party workers.

PML-N workers in Chakwal had been extremely unhappy with the rumours that Sardar Ghulam Abbas might “sneak into the ranks” with the help of Mian Mansha and Khawaja Asif.

On Wednesday, when local PML-N leader Gen (retired) Abdul Qayyum announced that Chaudhry Nisar had promised that “any political decision made in Chakwal will keep the overall political scenario in mind”, they greeted the news with relief.

Former president of the PML-N, Ziaul Hassan Zaidi, who recently chaired a convention where workers made clear their feelings about Sardar Ghulam Abbas, told Dawn, “We are satisfied, and our fears have been assuaged.”

According to Gen Qayyum, MPA Malik Tanvir Aslam, and the PML-N’s district president, Chaudhry Liaqat Ali Khan, all of whom met with Chaudhry Nisar, the latter made it clear that he respected the feelings of party workers.

Sources report that Nawaz Sharif also informed Mian Mansha and Khawaja Asif that he would not make any decision contrary to the will of his supporters.

Speaking to Dawn, Gen Qayyum said that the PML-N had many larger challenges ahead.

“Our leadership is making sure that there are no delays in holding the elections, and trying to address issues related to the caretaker setup,” he said.

He described Chaudhry Nisar as asking for unity within the party in order to face these outside challenges.