Seat adjustments on cards as Nawaz, Shujaat meet after 15 years

In a noteworthy development on Wednesday, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), and Nawaz Sharif, the supreme leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), convened for a meeting to discuss seat allocations between the two parties in anticipation of the upcoming general elections slated for February 8, as reported by Express News.

This meeting, held at Shujaat’s residence in Lahore, marked the first interaction between the two leaders in 15 years. The discussions centered on the current political landscape and the prospect of mutual cooperation in the forthcoming elections. The gathering, attended by key members from both political entities, delved into strategic collaboration and seat adjustments for the impending polls. Among the participants were prominent figures such as Shahbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Rana Sanaullah, Saad Rafique, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Ahsan Iqbal from the PML-N, and Salik Hussain, Shafay Hussain, Tariq Bashir Cheema, and Imtiaz Ranjha representing the PML-Q.

Insiders revealed that during the discussions, Shujaat sought a substantial share of seats from the PML-N in Punjab, proposing more than 10 National Assembly and 22 Punjab Assembly seats. His suggested seat adjustments encompassed areas such as Gujarat, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, and Hafizabad, emphasizing the success of PML-Q candidates in these regions during the 2018 elections.

Sources quoted Shujaat as stating, “We supported the no-confidence motion without any fear or greed; now we should be compensated accordingly.” Emphasizing the importance of unity to prevent losing votes in Punjab to other parties, Shujaat highlighted the benefits for both PML-N and PML-Q. He added that their alignment with the PDM had led to internal differences, but they had no regrets about their decision.

Nawaz Sharif expressed gratitude for PML-Q’s support during the vote of no confidence against Imran Khan in April 2022 and subsequent cooperation. Both leaders reminisced about positive experiences from the past. Sources disclosed that a joint committee comprising members from PML-N and PML-Q is expected to be formed in the coming days, tasked with presenting recommendations on all seat adjustment matters to the top leadership of both parties.