ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif reiterated their commitment on Saturday to the PDM-led government’s resolve to hold elections on schedule. The decision was made during a meeting between the two leaders, where PM Shehbaz visited his elder brother, Mr. Nawaz.
According to a local news channel, Mr. Nawaz instructed PM Shehbaz to mobilize the party and uphold the supremacy of parliament. The former premier also urged him to improve the country’s economic outlook, as reported by the news channel.
The meeting focused on exchanging ideas regarding Mr. Nawaz’s return to the country and organizing the party.
PM Shehbaz against Punjab election on May 14
Mr. Shehbaz, while speaking to the media earlier, emphasized that holding the Punjab elections on May 14th was tantamount to conspiring against the country. He noted that the image projected about Punjab in the past year has now vanished, adding that all provinces are equal and Punjab should not be seen as the dominant force.
The election in Punjab has become a contentious issue between the PDM-led government and the PTI. The PDM called for simultaneous elections across the country after the completion of the National Assembly’s term, while the PTI insisted on holding elections according to the Supreme Court’s orders. Despite negotiations between both parties, no consensus was reached on the election date.
As a result, the PTI approached the supreme court requesting elections in Punjab on May 14th and submitted a report detailing the failed negotiations with the PDM-led government.
The court upheld its verdict to hold elections on time, clarifying that it had not instructed or ordered negotiations between the parties. Subsequently, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced its intention to honor the court’s decision.
Addressing a pro-CJP rally earlier, PTI chief Imran Khan vowed to take to the streets from next week until May 14th, emphasizing that he would not rest until the elections were held. He also criticized PM Shehbaz for undertaking foreign tours amidst the country’s challenges.
The political landscape remains heated as both sides continue to advocate their positions, but the focus remains on maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and upholding the principles of democracy.
