Pakistan Politics: Moonis Elahi Pours Cold Water On PML N-PPP Plan, Says Not Leaving PTI Coalition Government

By Zulqarnain Haider

(ISLAMABAD)- Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) senior leader and Member National Assembly Chaudhry Moonis Elahi has dismissed rumours that his party has any plans to say goodbye to the coalition government.

Rumours have been rife about cracks within the ruling coalition since federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry remarked about creating a forward bloc in the PML-Q (later he apologised) and subsequent resignation of its lone minister in Punjab Hafiz Ammar Yasir, citing “undue interference” in his mines and mineral ministry by the PTI.

However, Mr Moonis believes that the situation has not reached point of no return. “Things will be sorted out amicably after the leadership of both PML-Q and PTI sit together,” Mr Moonis said in a talk with Dubai News.

Earlier, his tweet had also indicated the PML-Q move. “We had our parliamentary party meeting. Our MNAs and MPAs attended. They all shared their thoughts and have authorized Chaudhry Shujaat sb to decide our way forward. InshAllah we will try to work things out with PTI and strengthen Pakistan,” Moonis tweeted.

We had our parliamentary party meeting today . Our mpas and mnas attended. They all shared their thoughts and have authorized Ch Shujat sb to decide our way forward. InshAllah we will try to work things out with @PTIofficial and strengthen Pakistan

— Moonis Elahi (@MoonisElahi6) January 21, 2019

Interestingly, both the PML-N and PPP saw an opportunity in the possible conflict of PML-Q and PTI and even spreading the word that they were ready to make Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Parvez Elahi the chief minister of Punjab, replacing Usman Buzdar. “But Mr Moonis pours cold water on the PMLN-PPP hopes and made it clear that PML-Q will not leave the coalition.”

The PML-Q wants assurance from the PTI about empowering its lawmakers to address the problems the people in their constituencies have been facing. Besides, PML-Q wants two ministries each in Punjab and at the Centre according to its earlier commitment made by PTI leadership before the former joined the coalition.

Another area which is disturbing the PML-Q is keeping it out of the consultative process. “There will be no compromise on it.”

Both in Punjab and at Centre, the PML-Q is an important ally with 10 MPAs and five MNAs, respectively. As the PTI is ruling, particularly in Punjab, with a thin majority, it may not be able to afford to lose PML-Q support.

Moonis Elahi is the focal person of his party as all its lawmakers turn up to him with the issues they are facing in their constituencies. Mr Moonis who is tipped to lead the PML-Q in near future is also busy to re-organise trying to galvanise the support of old Muslim Leagures. –Dubai News