ISLAMABAD: After the JUI-F’s decision to quit the ruling coalition, the PPP immediately contacted PML-Q to preempt any move to destabilise the government.
Law Minister Dr Babar Awan on Tuesday called PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain seeking his support in the changing political scenario where “the number game in parliament is going to play a pivotal role in the days to come”.
A source in the PML-Q told Pakistan Today that Awan urged Shujaat not to delay the decision to join the coalition government. The source said in response, the PML-Q president said the matter of joining the coalition government was under consideration and a final decision in this regard would soon be taken.
He said the PML-Q’s central command had already decided to join the PPP-led coalition government and had also taken the party lawmakers on board. “If the MQM too parts ways with the ruling coalition, the PML-Q is likely to support the PPP to save the government from an eminent collapse. However, the Chaudhrys also seek a due share in the power-sharing deal. Moreover, the PML-Q leadership also wants the PPP to ensure a PML-Q nominee to be appointed Punjab chief minister,” he added.
When contacted, Shujaat confirmed that Awan had contacted him but refuted any formal talks had taken place. He said the contact was meant to take the PML-Q into the coalition government.
PPP contacts PML-Q for damage control
