ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) affirmed on Tuesday, through one of its prominent leaders, Mian Javed Latif, known for his close association with Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz, that there would be no collaboration or seat arrangement with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the upcoming February 8 elections.
In a press briefing, Javed Latif firmly stated, “There will be no seat adjustment with PPP at any level.”
This declaration follows PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s recent statement foreseeing a coalition government formation post the forthcoming elections, regardless of whether led by PML-N or any other political faction.
Back in November last year, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari had also foreseen the likelihood of a “national unity government” following the polls, emphasizing the unlikelihood of any single party securing a two-thirds majority.
Latif, during the conference, highlighted ongoing constituency meetings among the party’s officials, mentioning that the central leadership of the former ruling party would soon initiate campaign activities.
Expressing his opinion, Latif suggested, “I believe we should contest the upcoming Punjab polls independently.”
Furthermore, the PML-N leader praised the courts and urged punitive measures against individuals involved in the May 9 riots that preceded the imminent elections in the country. These riots erupted following the arrest of the deposed prime minister in a £190 million settlement case, resulting in the incarceration of numerous PTI members and leaders for their role in violence and assaults on military installations.
The protests witnessed attacks on various civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, prompting the military to term May 9 as a “Black Day” and decide on trying the protesters under the Army Act.
It’s important to note that PPP and PML-N were principal allies in the previous Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government, which governed for approximately 16 months following the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan via a vote of no-confidence.
(Islamabad51_Newdsesk)
