PDM calls emergency meeting to discuss political situation
KARACHI: A special meeting was held by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on Friday while senior leadership discussions went into the night. The administration would work to finish its term, the ruling coalition insisted, and the National Assembly will not be dissolved.
After Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi advised Governor Balighur Rehman to dissolve the provincial parliament on Thursday night, fulfilling his promise to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and opening the door for new elections, the ruling alliance agreed.The Express Tribune was informed by sources shortly after the news surfaced that the PDM leadership was reaching out to people at the highest levels for consultation on the development.
Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairman of the PPP and a former president, Shehbaz Sharif, the leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), and Maulana Fazlur Rehman were among the leaders. Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the PML-N, has also been consulted. The leaders of the ruling coalition have been summoned to an urgent meeting as soon as possible to determine the PDM’s political strategy. Should Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s provincial assemblies be dissolved, the leadership will also decide how the parties would participate in the elections.
According to sources, the PDM leaders will also determine whether or not to pursue a legal dispute over the situation. Asif Ali Zardari has pushed for a “political solution” to the situation even while legal counsel is being sought.
In addition, the leaders have stated their determination to allay any concerns raised by the MQM-P. The provincial assemblies of Sindh and Balochistan will not yet be dissolved, it has also been confirmed.
After the consultations are over, significant decisions are anticipated. Nevertheless, the sources stated that PDM is adamant that the general elections would go place on time.
According to sources, the PDM leaders will also determine whether or not to pursue a legal dispute over the situation. Asif Ali Zardari has pushed for a “political solution” to the situation even while legal counsel is being sought. In addition, the leaders have stated their determination to allay any concerns raised by the MQM-P. The provincial assemblies of Sindh and Balochistan will not yet be dissolved, it has also been confirmed.
After the consultations are over, significant decisions are anticipated. Nevertheless, the sources stated that PDM is adamant that the general elections would go place on time.
