‘Dissension within ‘N’ stands exposed’

Published March 6, 2015
PML-N activists celebrate victory in Senate election. — White Star
PML-N activists celebrate victory in Senate election. — White Star

LAHORE: PPP leaders said on Thursday a good number of PML-N MPAs in Senate election in Punjab had revolted against the “dictatorial mindset” of their leadership by not casting vote in favour of party candidates.

Some 11 PML-N members did not vote for the party candidates. Instead they preferred to give vote to the PPP and PML-Q joint candidate, Nadeem Afzal Chan.

“Today a good number of PML-N MPAs expressed their distrust in their leadership by not casting votes in favour of party candidates. It shows the Sharifs are not running the party democratically,” PPP’s central Punjab president Manzoor Wattoo told Dawn.

Take a look: PPP, PML-Q make last-minute effort for Chan’s Senate bid

He said the PML-N leadership should learn politics from Asif Ali Zardari. “In the Senate election, the PPP made alliance with the MQM, PML-Q, ANP and JUI-F while the PML-N’s own legislators appeared to be protesting the party’s policies,” he said.

Mr Wattoo said the presidential ordinance to stop the Senate election in Fata was an “insane move”. “The government instead of rushing for 22nd amendment to check horse-trading should evolve a consensus among the political parties like the PPP did in 2012 Senate election,” he said.

PPP south Punjab President Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmood said the PML-N government should revisit its anti-people policies after revolt by some of its MPAs. “The PML-N leadership needs to give respect to its members. They, in fact, have protested against their leadership’s governance style,” he said.

He said: “Today is the victory of PPP as its candidate was given votes by the PML-N members,” he said.

Published in Dawn March 6th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Must Read

Opinion

Editorial

Miles to go
Updated 08 Mar, 2025

Miles to go

The realisation that a large part of Pakistan’s misfortunes is a consequence of women’s oppression is lost on the rulers.
Egyptian plan
08 Mar, 2025

Egyptian plan

AS the Gaza ceasefire faces an uncertain future, the Arab world has endorsed a new proposal for the occupied...
PIA taking off?
08 Mar, 2025

PIA taking off?

IN the second round, the government says it is going to make prospective buyers of PIA an offer they can’t refuse....
Terrorism ranking
Updated 07 Mar, 2025

Terrorism ranking

Poor relations with Afghan Taliban complicating Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.
Fear and favour
Updated 07 Mar, 2025

Fear and favour

The Trump administration’s position on Pakistan will become clearer with time.
Higher power costs
07 Mar, 2025

Higher power costs

IN recent years, soaring energy prices have drastically impacted Pakistan’s economic growth potential in general,...