Imran Khan’s party will stake claim for the chief minister’s post in Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s home state on July 22. Imran’s claim to form the government has strengthened after winning seats in the recent by-elections.
But last time Imran Khan does not want to take any chances after his 20 MLAs of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) voted in favor of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) candidate Hamza Sharif.
Barbandi of MLAs
Imran called all his MLAs to Lahore on Wednesday and kept them all in the hotel. The fencing of MLAs is so strong that mobiles have been taken from them. The MLAs of PTI and its ally PMLQ have been lodged at Gulbarg Hotel in Lahore. These MLAs will be taken from the hotel to the Punjab Assembly for voting for the post of Chief Minister.
Khan is at risk of horse trading
Imran Khan is at risk of horse trading of his MLAs. It is necessary for Imran to have his own government in Punjab province to strengthen the demand for re-election at the Centre. Regarding the ongoing political tussle in Punjab province, political analyst Imtiaz Gul says that the defeat of PM Shahbaz’s party in the by-election in Punjab is a proof that Imran’s Narrative has been successful in making a place among the people.
Imran has been alleging that Shahbaz’s government has been set up at the behest of foreign powers. Now it has become impossible for Shahbaz to retain his son Hamza as the CM of Punjab. Political analyst Sahab Khanzada says that PMLN’s Shahbaz, Maryam Nawaz and Hamza have failed to woo the public in their favour. Khanzada says that PMLN is going to need Nawaz Sharif a lot. If Nawaz does not return to Pakistan even in the next elections at the center, then the problems for the party will increase further.
Shahbaz’s bet: Preparing for a lifetime ban on Imran on the issue of foreign donations, after
the election of Punjab CM, PM Shahbaz Sharif held a meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the government’s ally Zardari’s party PPP and JUIF at his residence. It said that the central government will complete its term, elections will not be held soon.