In a significant development, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Nawaz Sharif, and the head of the Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid), Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, held a meeting in Lahore, where they reached a consensus on seat adjustment for the upcoming elections.
This meeting marked a reunion after nearly 15 years, as Nawaz Sharif had last visited Chaudhry Shujaat’s residence in 2009 to offer condolences on the demise of Shujaat’s mother.
Accompanied by Shahbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Rana Sanaullah, Ayaz Sadiq, and Azam Nazeer Tarar, Nawaz Sharif arrived at Chaudhry Shujaat’s residence. On the other side, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Chaudhry Wajahat, and Tariq Bashir Cheema represented Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain in the meeting.
The discussions during the meeting revolved around seat adjustment and consultations for the upcoming elections. Chaudhry Shujaat emphasized that not only should the seats from which their candidates previously won be retained, but additional seats in Gujrat, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, and Hafizabad should also be allocated.
Sources suggest that the consultation between PML(N) and PML(Q) is complete for three seats in the Punjab Assembly and two seats in the National Assembly. The PML(N) has reportedly decided not to field any candidate against Tariq Bashir Cheema.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that an adjustment has been made for the seat previously held by Chaudhry Salik from Chakwal. However, no consensus was reached during the meeting regarding the seat of Chaudhry Wajahat, and it was decided that further consultation would take place.
The meeting indicated that both parties have reached an agreement on the allocation of seats for three provincial assembly constituencies where Chaudhry Shujaat’s name will be endorsed. In return, Chaudhry Shujaat has put forward the names of his two sons for these constituencies, ensuring that the PML(N) will not field any candidates against them.
The media was not briefed after the meeting by the PML(N) delegation, while there was no statement from the PML(Q) side either.
This historic meeting holds significant implications for the political landscape in Pakistan, setting the stage for collaboration between the PML(N) and PML(Q) in the upcoming elections.
