As politics of wheeling and dealing between the PML-Q, dissident group and the Unification Bloc continue at full throttle, the PML-N plans to stage a big show of power with 47 Unification Bloc members to exhibit its political strength and the unity between the PML-N and the bloc. Political circles are anticipating the PML-N’s show of strength, as it could go a long way along the political chessboard.
The PML-N’s first effort turned out to be a great disappointment when only a few members of the Unification Bloc attended the dinner hosted by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Monday. Sources in the PML-N told Pakistan Today that the leadership of the PML-N and the Unification Bloc had agreed to hold a grand meeting in a couple of days, but it had to be put off due to the PML-N COC meeting in Islamabad, the Punjab Assembly session on May 12 and the absence of Unification Bloc’s parliamentary leader Dr Tahir Ali Javed from the country.
“All was set for the show of strength, however, formal modalities will be outlined within two days,” the sources said. Unification Bloc senior leader Atta Maneka said the PML-N was eager to hold a show of strength to offset political manoeuvrings and Shahbaz’s dinner was not a dismal show, as it was a meeting of leaders belonging to the DG Khan, Bahawalpur and Multan divisions. “It was not a get together of all members of the Unification Bloc. People misinterpreted and tried to find difference between the PML-N and Unification Bloc,” he said.
He added that the Unification Bloc stood united under the leadership of Dr Tahir Ali Javed and it was loyal to the PML-N as always.
