PM Imran extends stay in Lahore: sources

LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday took notice of a leaked conversation between Federal Minister for Housing Tariq Bashir Cheema and party leader Jahangir Tareen, and has decided to extend his stay in Lahore, sources told ARY News on Saturday.

As a video emerged today showing Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) leaders Pervaiz Elahi, Tariq Bashir Cheema and Minister for Mines and Minerals Hafiz Ammar Yasir — chatting with PTI stalwart Jahangir Tareen during a meeting.

PML-Q’s Tariq Basheer Cheema can be seen complaining to Jahangir Tareen about Governor Punjab Chaudhry Sarwar’s “interference”. Pervaiz Elahi can be seen repeating Tariq Cheema’s words.

PM Imran Khan has reportedly taken notice of the incident after the video went viral and is expected to call a meeting of his party’s provincial leaders, legislators along with PML-Q leadership to end differences between the allies.

Sources say the PM, who was on a day long visit to Lahore to inaugurate shelter home, will now stay in the city.

‘Differences are everywhere’

In an emergency press conference, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi denied the impression that his party and ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are at loggerheads over Sarwar’s role.

“Jahangir Tareen was there to demand our vote for (upcoming Senate elections) and as our voter sometimes complains about our negligence, we too put before him our reservations,” said Pervaiz Elahi.

He maintained that there absolutely no major differences among the two parties and PML-Q legislators will continue to support PTI-led government both in center and Punjab.

About Governor Punjab Chaudhry Sarwar’s alleged interference, he said that Tariq Basheer Cheema felt that Sarwar’s interference in matters related to his constituency was undue and he “only spoke his heart out”.

He made it clear that his party has no differences with Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and is supporting him in his efforts to bring meaningful reforms in Punjab.