Backdoor channels are active to search out possible turncoats in opposite political camps with special focus on women members parliament (MPs) in Punjab assembly. According to the sources, one senior MP from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) contacted a lady MP from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and urged her to support the PPP in larger national interest.
However, the situation became interesting when she turned on speaker of her cell and let other lady MPs of PML-N to listen her discourse with PPP broker. Sources said former Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif was also present in the meeting. Shahbaz was presiding over the meeting of 28 lady MPs at his Model Town residence when the call was received by one of the participants.
The PML-N was enjoying support of 30 lady MPs on February 25 when Shahbazs disqualification verdict was given by the Supreme Court. On the occasion, another lady MP also run the recorded offer made her by the PPP on her cell phone. It may be noted that one lady MPA Laila Muqaddas has recently separated herself from the PML-N and announced formation of a forward block within PML-N.
She further claimed that she had another 26 MPs, including 19 women MPs and seven male MPs, with her. Sources said Shahbaz Sharif asked the lady MPs to apprise the party central office about the police and other administrative officials who are pressurising them to defect from the PML-N. He paid tribute to the parliamentarians for staying intact against all ill-designs of ruling parties.
Shahbaz further urged the MPs to look for an independent Judiciary instead of petty benefits by changing loyalties, as the PML-N was not here to grab the power by hook or crook. He said only an independent Judiciary; restoration of Constitution and a strong democracy would secure the future of Pakistan.
According to sources, the lady MPs briefed the party president about the tactics used by the ruling party for change of loyalties. Meanwhile, one PML-Q member parliament in Punjab called on Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khosa, President PML-N Punjab, and announced his joining to the PML-Q forward block to support Sharif brothers.
Senator-elect Pervez Rashid told Business Recorder that dynamics of politics has changed and decisions would be taken on street and not in the Parliament. He said the PML-N was not in favour of such a situation but it was forced to do so. He said the PML-N had taken its political case to the court of masses after having been pushed to the wall by the PCO-led Supreme Court.