Nawaz, Shehbaz speak with one voice on election date

PM Shehbaz call on Nawaz in London

LONDON (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on Saturday stick to the PDM-led government's resolve to hold elections on time.

The decision was taken at a meeting between the two as Mr Shehbaz called on his elder brother Mr Nawaz. Sources said Mr Nawaz instructed the PM to mobilise the party and to preserve the parliament’s supremacy. “Former premier also instructed him to improve the country’s economic outlook,” sources added.

The meeting also underscored exchange of thoughts on Mr Nawaz’s return to the country and organising the party.

Earlier, talking to the media, Mr Shehbaz said holding election in Punjab on May 14 was akin to conspiring against the country.

He said everyone should note that the impression created about Punjab over the last year had now been vanished. “Punjab is not a big brother but all provinces are equal,” he added.

Election in Punjab became a battleground between the PDM-led government and the PTI as the former wanted simultaneous elections across the country upon completion of the ongoing term of the National Assembly while the latter had been stressing the government to hold election as per the SC's orders. Both stakeholders also held talks to negotiate date for elections but to no avail.

It prompted the PTI to move the apex court to hold elections in Punjab on May 14 while submitting a report on the negotiations held between the PTI and the PDM-led government on elections. The court, in response, maintained its verdict to hold election on time and clarified that it had neither instructed nor ordered anyone to hold negotiations. Later, the ECP also announced to honor the court's decision.

Addressing a pro-CJP rally earlier, PTI chief Imran Khan vowed to stay on streets from next week till May 14, and to not take rest until elections were held. He also chastised PM Shehbaz for conducting foreign tours amid the country's woes.