In an apparent move to save the opposition alliance, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leaderships have committed to avoid “harsh” statements against each other.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal have asked their colleagues to tone down their rhetoric.
Sources confirmed that Bilawal directed the party leadership not to issue harsh statements under any circumstance that may harm the opposition alliance.
Earlier, Ahsan told media in Lahore that the PML-N will not respond to the statements of PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and chairman Bilawal.
He claimed that the dispute over opposition leader in the Senate has been resolved, and added that such trivial matters should not be a source of controversy.
REFUSAL: However, the situation is contrary to the claims as the PPP has refused to withdraw its candidate in favour of PML-N in the by-elections to National Assembly constituency NA-249.
Insiders said that PDM Secretary General Shahid Khaqan Abbasi visited the Zardari House last week to seek the PPP’s support for his party’s candidate. He urged Bilawal to withdraw the PPP candidate Qadir Mandokhail against Miftah Ismael of the PML-N.
They said Bilawal told Abbasi that he would discuss the matter with his party’s leadership and reportedly turned down his request on Wednesday.
Miftah is contesting from the constituency that had fallen vacant due to the resignation of PTI’s Faisal Vawda. Pakistan Sarzameen Party (PSP) Chairman Mustafa Kamal and Amjad Afridi of the ruling PTI are his rivals.
The elections will be held on April 29.
