PML-Q’s discomfort with PTI: Shujaat holds important meetings in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and president of his own faction of Pakistan Muslim League (PMLQ) Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain visited the federal capital amid surging political tensions and ongoing tug of war for adoption of federal budget proposals.

The veteran leader met with some high ups here during his 48 hours stay before returning to Lahore.

Sources told The News that the PMLQ being a major ally of the federal and Punjab governments of the PTI is engaged in warding off the threats looming around the government here in the Centre and Punjab.

The sources pointed out that Chaudhry Shujaat and his brother Chaudhry Pervez Illahi are not comfortable with the allocations of developmental funds for their MNAs, MPAs besides other grievances. Shujaat and Elahi have rescued the incumbent provincial and federal governments several times during their three-year rule.

Senator Kamil Ali Agha of the PMLQ in a brief chat here with this scribe confirmed the visit of Chaudhry Shujaat to Islamabad and said he undertook consultations with a number of people during his stay here, but parried to the query about Chaudhry Shujaat’s ‘special meetings’ in the twin cities.

The sources reminded that some serious developments have put the PML-Q leadership in discomfort and Chaudhary Shujaat has conveyed his reservations during these meetings. The sources pointed out that Chaudhry brothers are not satisfied with the working and performance of the two governments and reminded the major partner in the government to alter its approach for the sake of improvement of the masses. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has personally eulogized the federal budget proposals but he is of the view that all shades of public opinion should be taken on board so that smooth passage of the proposals could become possible.

Meanwhile, the sources pointed out that Chaudhry Shujaat has been assured by the relevant quarters that the PML-Q leadership views would be respected in Punjab's affairs and it would be consulted on every important step.

The PMLQ MPs would hold an important meeting at the Lahore residence of Chaudhry Shujaat today (Sunday) to evolve strategy for dealing with the upcoming events, including the federal and provincial budgets, the sources added.