ISLAMABAD: All is set for the Punjab Assembly to convene for a runoff election for the Chief Minister of the country’s most populous province between incumbent Hamza Shehbaz of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and challenger Chaudhry Pervez Elahi of Pakistan Muslim League – Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q).
The former has the backing of the 11-party Pakistan Democratic Front (PDM) coalition while the latter is supported by former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his allies.
In theory, the position of PTI looks solid following its come-from-behind win in last week’s by-polls. The newly elected members – 15 of PTI, three of PML-N and one independent – have been sworn in and will participate in the voting.
PDM on its part has been jockeying hard over the last couple of days for advantage with former president Asif Ali Zardari, known for his wheeling and dealing skills, camping out in Punjab.
Interior Minister Rana Sana on Thursday claimed of 50 PTI lawmakers in Punjab Assembly voting against Parvez Elahi.
The important session of the Punjab Assembly has been called at four o’clock in the afternoon. The entry of guests in the Punjab Assembly will be closed. The media will cover from the press gallery, but mobile phones will not be allowed.
The runoff election was set up when the Supreme Court (SC) arrange a compromise between the rivals on July 1.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has claimed that 186 members participated in the parliamentary party meeting of PTI and Q-League Punjab chaired by Chairman Imran Khan on Thursday.
The PML-N has not announced the final tally of its supporters, but Atta Tarar and Rana Sanullah have said that their number is around 180.
The opposition’s position looks secure after the boost from the by-elections held on July 17. Their tally comes to 188, including 178 members of PTI and 10 of PML-Q.
After winning four seats in the by-election, PML-N has 168 members in Punjab, but one member has not taken oath yet.
If this member takes the oath, the number of members of the government alliance will be 179, including 168 from PML-N, 7 from PPP, 4 independents, and 1 from Rah Haq Party.
The situation is far from clear amid all the claims and counterclaims of assured victory from both sides, so we will know only when the official result is out.
This is a developing story. Keep watching this space for latest updates as they arrive.
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