–PM bars PML-Q from issuing statements in favour of Punjab CM Buzdar
A day after Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Khan Tareen had a hot exchange of words, Prime Minister Imran Khan pulled the leash and barred them from saying anything against each other, according to reports.
Reportedly, the prime minister urged both of them to make peace as differences are of no use in critical times. He also told them that while he respects judicial decisions, he appreciates Tareen’s expertise in agriculture. “His assignment on agricultural policy was based on his experience in the field of agriculture,” Imran said, adding that while Tareen had played his role, Qureshi had also been successful as the diplomatic frontier.
He told them that both of them are senior members and their opinions are considered important. He asked them to show solidarity to overcome the challenges the country was facing.
On Monday, Qureshi’s objection to Tareen’s participation in official cabinet meetings had started a spar between both PTI members. He asked him not to violate judicial rules as he has been disqualified by the court which makes him ineligible to attend an official meeting. He further said that Tareen should offer his advice while residing in the background as his presence gives the opposition a reason to point fingers at them.
Tareen responded by saying that he conducts every political matter on the directives of PM Khan. “I am answerable to the premier alone on political matters,” said the PTI leader. He said that he will continue to serve his nation as no one can deprive him of his national duty.
PM BARS PML-Q FROM PRAISING BUZDAR:
Meanwhile, PM Khan directed the leadership of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q), a key ally of PTI in Centre and Punjab, to stop issuing statements in favour of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar.
Well placed sources said that Premier Imran Khan issued these directives during his meeting with the central leader of PML-Q and Speaker Punjab Assembly, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, last week.
The PM was of the view that the PTI is responsible for the issues of Punjab Chief Minister Office and the PML-Q should avoid issuing statements about the CM.
The message of PM Khan has been conveyed to PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Federal Minister for Housing Tariq Bashir Cheema, ex-Senator Kamil Ali Agha and other leaders of the party.
Sources said that during the meeting of the PM with Pervaiz Elahi issues relating Punjab were discussed in detail.
It is worth mentioning here that Federal Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema and other PML-Q leaders have repeatedly stated that they would stand with Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar if any attempt was made to remove him from the office.
The PML-Q leadership has been urged that being a key ally of PTI, it should avoid issuing such statements.
Earlier, Tariq Bashir Cheema and Kamil Ali Agha had given statements in favour of CM Usman Buzdar when some PTI leaders had talked about replacing him and the PM had to visit Lahore to give a statement in his favour.
Provincial Minister Amar Yasir had taken back his resignation after PML-Q’s statement in favour of CM Buzdar and another ministry was awarded to the PML-Q in the provincial cabinet.
However, despite the pledge of awarding ministry to Chaudhry Moonis Elahi, son of Pervaiz Elahi, in the federal cabinet, the promise has not been fulfilled.