LAHORE: Some MNAs of Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) are likely to defect to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said veteran journalist, senior analyst and Pakistan Today Editor Arif Nizami in Channel 92’s programme ‘Ho Kya Raha Hai?’
Arif Nizami said that seven to eight PML-N MNAs in three Land Cruisers went to meet PTI Chairman Imran Khan at the residence of a PTI leader a few weeks ago. Khusro Bakhtiar, Bilal Ahmed Virk, Ashiq Hussain Gopang were among those who went to meet the PTI chief, he added.
He said that the deflecting politicians decided to leave PML-N during the course of Panama Papers case on the orders of a third-party. They have a tendency to switch sides with the ruling party of the time and currently believe that PTI will win the next elections, he added.
Speaking of the Senate elections, Dr Musadiq Malik, who was a guest on the show, said that PML-N is conducting meetings with different political parties to gather those who want to protect freedom of expression. Once the process is completed, PML-N will reveal the name of its candidate, he added.
Dr Malik also said that PML-N had suggested the name of Raza Rabbani as a metaphor for someone who is willing to stand up for the protection of freedom of expression and the constitution.
Speaking about Nehal Hashmi, he said that Nehal does not represent the party’s stance and was removed from the party on the basis of the language he had used against the judiciary.
Arif Nizami said that the next Senate chairman will not be from PTI because PML-N in a better position in the upper house.
