Chaudhrys not on same page over defecting PML-Q MNAs

The leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) is still in two minds over sending references to the chief election commissioner under the defection clause against its eight MNAs for alleged violation of party discipline during the election of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf. Those facing disciplinary action include six MNAs linked with PML Likeminded – Humayun Akhtar, Saleem Saifullah, Kashmala Tariq, Ghulam Haider Samejo, Arbab Zakaullah and Kishan Chand Parwani. Moreover, two more MNAs may face the axe including Sumaira Malik, who joined the PML-Nawaz and Awais Leghari, who joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The PML-Q, which has 51 members in the National Assembly, is left with the support of 43 MNAs after eight lawmakers defected. On Sunday, Elahi went public over the issue, telling the media that the references would be filed for disqualification of his party’s National Assembly members who did not cast their votes for Prime Minister Ashraf. However, a well-placed source in the PML-Q told Pakistan Today that party President Chaudhry Shujaat and Elahi were not on the same page over the issue. “Thrilled with his elevation to the post of eputy prime minister, Elahi is pushing Shujaat to send references against the dissidents to ensure strict party discipline and to appease the PPP leadership. However, Shujaat is reluctant to do so, for if disqualified, his party would not be in a position to win vacant seats,” the source said. He added that after failing to achieve consensus, the Chaudhrys had decided to postpone the matter for a week and it was decided that the decision would be taken after the dust settled. “The references have not yet been filed. The matter is under discussion while references are being finalised by a three-member committee,” said Senator Kamil Ali Agha, the party secretary-information.