PML-Q rejects alliance with PML-N, decides to support PTI

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) has denied all reports of forging an alliance with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to form the next government in Punjab.

PML-Q leader Shujaat Hussain chaired a meeting on Sunday and rejected the offer to form an alliance with their adversary PML-N and instead decided to strengthen relations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The PTI and PML-N are currently embroiled in a tussle for control of Punjab. The PTI has claimed to have 131 seats along with several independents candidates while the PML-N has 129 seats.

The PML-Q will instead support the PTI in the centre and in Punjab and has said the PML-N has always indulged in politics for personal interests. This is a severe blow to the PML-N who may be forced to sit in the opposition.

PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq had reportedly contacted PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervez Elahi to discuss forming an alliance and offered any post of their choice to the PML-Q. However, Elahi had said that he would discuss the proposition with party leaders and then get back to the PML-N.

At least 149 directly elected MPAs are required to form a government. With the addition of reserved and minority seats, at least 185 out of a total of 371 seats are required to form a government. After the PML-N and PTI, the PML-Q has managed to secure eight seats, and the PPP six. Independent candidates have won 28 seats.

PML-Q has a significant role for formation of the Punjab government. Pervaiz Elahi’s name is doing the rounds as a potential candidate for the chief minister’s slot but the PTI has said the coveted post would be taken by their party.