The PML-Q has decided to join the PTI to form a joint opposition in the Punjab Assembly, it has been learnt reliably.
The PML-Q has seven MPAs in the newly-elected provincial assembly, a small number compared to its strength in 2008 polls.
It has been learnt that the PTI leader and newly-elected MPA, Mahmoodur Rasheed, met both Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Pervaiz Elahi the other day and sought their support for the PTI. The Chaudhrys assured him of their party’s support in the provincial assembly.
Rasheed will likely be the PTI’s candidate for opposition leader in Punjab Assembly.
There is a perception among the PML-Q leadership that there interests are best served if they aligned with the PTI in Punjab.
“This is the only way to stay in the limelight as a party with such small numbers,” a senior PML-Q leader said.
Deliberations are also underway over the party’s strategy in the National Assembly.
The Chaudhrys recently met President Asif Ali Zardari at Bilawal House in Lahore, but they never tried to make their meeting with the president public.
This shows how the Chaudhrys are double-minded about their future strategy vis-à-vis Sharifs, their arch rivals in politics.
However, most of the senior party leaders have advised the Chaudhrys to put their weight behind the PTI in future, both in Punjab and Centre.
It will be interesting to see how the PTI-led opposition conducts itself in the Punjab Assembly dominated by the PML-N, which enjoys almost absolute majority in the House.
Analysts say the choice of opposition leader would be crucial to predict the nature of opposition in the comings days.
The maiden session of Punjab Assembly has been convened on May 29, when the newly-elected members will take oath.
PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has formally nominated Shahbaz Sharif as leader of the House.
Both the opposition and treasury would be required to pick their leaders before the first meeting of their parliamentary party.