An inflexible opposition of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leadership against Mushahid Hussain Syed's nomination for Senate polls on technocrat seat has finally put Mushahid out of contest, who has formally withdrawn his papers Tuesday.
Sources privy to the developments told Business Recorder that the PML-N leadership did not agree with the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Q on Mushahid's nomination on technocrat seat for Senate polls. There were high indications that the PPP would be ready to withdraw Kazim Khan, its nominee on technocrat seat in case a consensus is evolved on Mushahid's nomination.
The sources added that the PML-N leadership was strictly against a few PML-Q leaders including Mushahid Hussain Syed, Sheikh Rasheed, Humayun Akhtar, Ejaz-ul-Haq and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and are not ready to compromise on these names in any case. "Mian Nawaz Sharif has marked these names with red ink and is not ready to let them in at any cost", said the sources.
After Mushahid's withdrawal, the PML-Q would be able to secure only one seat of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain from Punjab in Senate polls. Sources further added that Chaudhry Shujaat may also be next opposition leader in the Senate. According to the sources, the consensus among three major parties was restricted to the name of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, who is still losing about eight to nine votes in the assembly with a clear-cut division in his party.
As per emerging situation on Senate polls, the PPP's strength is likely to increase to 51 in the Senate, followed by 21 of PML-Q and 14 of PML-N. The PPP is likely to put Jehangir Badr in the office of Chairman Senate in case it is not choosing anyone from Balochistan for the post.
It is also learnt on good authority that all the three major parties are likely to announce unopposed win of Senate candidates in Punjab like Sindh. The Prime Minister has convened Federal Cabinet meeting in Lahore. Similarly, the Governor Punjab is also holding a meeting of PPP parliamentarians in the Punjab assembly.
According to the sources, the PML-N was in a fix like situation over its participation in the lawyers' sit-in, as it has to earn public rage in case it abstains from the sit-in. However, the sources added, the PML-N has yet kept its cards open before a final decision depending upon the public mood.
It may be noted that Hamza Shehbaz, son of Shehbaz Sharif and Member National Assembly, had mentioned to the Business Recorder that the PML-N would not disappoint the nation. Meanwhile, it is also learnt that the disqualification case of Sharif brothers is likely to be lingered on further with emergence of new technical issues in the case.