LAHORE: PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shafay Hussain announced on Wednesday that his party is considering seats adjustment in the upcoming general elections with the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party. This statement comes just a day after he mentioned the possibility of seats adjustment with the ruling PML-N.

During a media interaction on Wednesday, Mr Hussain stated that PML-Q intends to have 15-20 seats adjustments with PML-N. He also revealed that he had discussed the matter of seats adjustment with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a meeting, and the premier had instructed the formation of a committee headed by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.

He clarified that PML-Q had not been consulted or given any candidate’s name for the appointment of a caretaker prime minister.

He said that former federal minister Moonis Elahi had independently decided that the Chaudhry family members would pursue their political interests and visions. He added that he and Chaudhry Salik Hussain believe Moonis Elahi should form his own party if he decides to leave PTI.

He said that the relations between PML-N and PPP were no longer tense. He said that PML-Q would collaborate with both PML-N and PPP, emphasizing that they also possess significant voter support in Gujrat, alongside PML-Q. He also revealed that the president of PTI Gujrat City Youth Wing would soon be joining PML-Q.

About the upcoming Punjab Assembly election, ge confirmed his intention to contest, while Chaudhry Salik Hussain would run for election from Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain’s seat in Gujrat as well as from Chakwal.

He concluded by mentioning his plan to visit Parvez Elahi in jail during Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain’s next meeting. He expressed Shujaat Hussain’s desire for Parvez Elahi’s release and strong opposition to political victimization in legal cases, emphasizing the importance of instituting cases based on merit.

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2023