LAHORE – A dissident group of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid, the Forward Bloc has finally reinforced its separate identity after proving its majority in the Punjab Assembly against its parent party.
A group of 47 dissidents of the PML-Q which now constitute the Forward Bloc moved a requisition in the Punjab Assembly Wednesday seeking appointment of Dr Tahir Ali Javed as their parliamentary leader in the House and declaring themselves as the Unification Block. Separate benches were also requested from the speaker in the same requisition.
Three years ago, PML-Q had 81 members in the Punjab Assembly but 47 members later joined hands under the banner of the Unification Block because of their growing difference with the PML-Q leadership over the formation of Punjab government by PML-N. Earlier, in a meeting, the Unification Block nominated Dr Tahir Ali Javed as parliamentary leader of the group in the assembly.
Both Dr Javed and Ata Manika told reporters that the Unification Block was not a part of any political party. Instead, they said, they only wanted to replace the sitting PML-Q Opposition Leader Chaudhry Zaheerud Din in the assembly. Dr Javed said the group will thwart any conspiracy against Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan said the decision on the requisition will be taken in accordance with the law in next assembly session. Describing this move as the demarcation of new battle lines, political analysts have termed it a significant development in which the PML-Q has been cut in size before the end of the 45-day PML-N deadline.
Meanwhile, Opposition leader in Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Zaheerud Din said the move was unconstitutional and illegal and PML-Q will not allow derailment of democracy. He also hinted that the PML-Q will challenge the move.
