report in The Nation, Dec 7, 2023
LAHORE – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif accompanied by PML-N president Mian Shehbaz Sharif
visited the residence of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) chief Ch Shujat Hussain on Wednesday, marking their first meeting in
almost 15 years to initiate discussions for seat adjustments ahead of the February 8 elections.
This encounter follows a prior meeting in 2009 when Nawaz Sharif offered condolences to Ch Shujat Hussain on the passing of
his mother.
While no official details were disclosed about the topics discussed, sources revealed a general agreement on seat adjustments,
with specific modalities to be finalised later.
The meeting lasted approximately 40 minutes, and both parties decided to form separate committees to deliberate on the details.
Key figures from both parties attended the high-profile meeting, including senior vice president and chief organizer of the
Pakistan Muslim League (N), Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Rana Sanaullah Khan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, and Marriyum
Aurangzeb.
From the PML-Q side, former federal minister Tariq Bashir Cheema, Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, and
Chaudhry Salik Hussain were also present. Upon arrival, Ch Shujat Hussain extended a warm welcome, setting the stage for a
positive engagement. This marked Nawaz Sharif’s first interaction with the PML-Q President since his return to Pakistan on
October 21st.
Nawaz Sharif expressed genuine concern for Ch Shujat Hussain’s well-being and conveyed heartfelt good wishes. The president of
the Pakistan Muslim League (N) Balochistan, Jafar Khan Mandokhail, along with other party leaders, contributed to the diverse
dialogue. Reportedly, Ch Shujat sought adjustments not only for previously won seats but also in Gujarat, Sialkot, Mandi
Bahauddin, and Hafizabad.
According to a PML-N source, the parties agreed on seat adjustments for two National Assembly and three Punjab Assembly
constituencies, including those held by Tariq Bashir Cheema and Ch Salik Hussain. The PML-N also agreed to seat adjustments
for Shafay’s provincial assembly constituency.
The PML-N is concurrently in negotiations with MQM and other parties in Sindh for an electoral alliance, with similar efforts
underway in Balochistan and KPK provinces.
Separately, Mian Nawaz Sharif visited the residence of Sardar Tariq Mazarai, the former speaker of the Punjab Assembly and a
prominent leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N).
During the visit, Nawaz Sharif expressed condolences for the departed soul of former caretaker Prime Minister Mir Balakh Sher
Mazari, extending sympathy to the Mazari family. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Marriyum Aurangzeb, and Sheikh Fiazuddin were also present
at the solemn occasion.
PML-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting on Wednesday to continue the process of evaluating final recommendations for
party ticket allocations to election candidates.
This particular meeting focused on interviewing candidates from Balochistan, marking the fourth gathering of the parliamentary
board for the conclusive consideration of candidates from various districts in the region. Nawaz Sharif individually met with
and interviewed all party candidates.
The parliamentary board included senior Vice President and Chief Organizer Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Head of the Election Cell
Senator Ishaq Dar, Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal, Balochistan President Jafar Khan Mandukhel, and central and provincial
officials of the party. The board had already assessed candidates’ names in Sargodha Division, district Rawalpindi and
Hazara, and Malakand divisions in prior meetings.
Separately, party leaders from Balochistan, Punjab, and Sindh Province held a meeting with former Prime Minister and PML-N
President Shehbaz Sharif. Notable attendees included PML-N Balochistan President Jafar Khan Mandukhel, former Chief Minister
Jam Kamal, and senior party leader Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Discussions revolved around party affairs and preparations for the
upcoming general elections in Balochistan. Proposals were considered to enhance the party’s strength and activity in the
region, with Shehbaz Sharif expressing appreciation for Jafar Mandukhel’s efforts.
https://www.nation.com.pk/07-Dec-2023/pml-n-on-seat-adjustment-spree-ahead-of-elections
