Former National Assembly (NA) speaker Asad Qaiser Saturday claimed that PML-N lawmakers in Punjab were reaching out to the PTI for tickets for the upcoming elections, suggesting a “mutiny” within the PML-N ranks.
Qaiser’s comments were made on the same day that prominent political figure in Central Punjab and former PML-N MP Pir Aminul Hasnat Shah declared his support for the PTI.
Qaiser while talking on Dawn suggested that more could jump ship.
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“Our Punjab leadership is talking with some PML-N leaders who are asking for a ticket commitment,” he said adding that “a PTI ticket is like the dollar these days.”
He would not disclose how many PML-N lawmakers were prepared to defect, but he did emphasize the criteria for their induction. “Whoever is credible and has no charges against them will receive tickets and our support.”
The rumored return of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz ahead of the elections, according to Qaiser, won’t have an impact on PTI’s support base in Punjab.
Parvez Elahi, the outgoing chief minister, was also praised by him for “exhibiting heroic behavior and standing with the PTI like a brave man.”
When Moonis Elahi returns to the nation, a possible merger between the PML-Q and the PTI will be addressed, according to Qaiser.
