3 senators, 4 'Q leaders join PML-N

LAHORE Three Senators among four top leaders of the PML(Q) have joined the PML(N) giving another jolt to the latter after the 40plus flock of its Punjab members are already under the wings of the N-League government in the province and some others are in covert contact after they had carved out a separate group under the banner of 'like-minded. Senator Naeem Hussain Chattha, Senator Tariq Azeem, and Senator Javed Shah and former MPA Punjab, Mujahid Shah met PML(N) President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in Raiwind Monday when the top leaders of the PML(N) including Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Ch Nisar Ali Khan, Ishaq Dar, and Mahtab Abbasi were also present. Sources say the PML(Q) leaders expressed confidence in the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and lay open the mind to support him on his future political decisions. However, according to Political Secretary-cum-Media Adviser to Nawaz Sharif, Dr Asif Kirmani, both sides exchanged views on current political situation in the country. The joining of hand by the Q-leaders is being reckoned as a big boost to the PML(N) and a blow to the PML(Q). Naeem Hussain Chatta, who natively belongs to Shaikhpura is the son of former veteran Muslim Leaguer Ch Muhammad Hussain Chatta who made a mark not only on the local by the provincial politics. Senator Tariq Azeem is a well known name, who parted ways with the PML(Q) leadership differing with it on some vital policies issues. Azeem has served as Information Secretary of the PML(Q), previously had meetings with the N-leadership when a different political situation existed. His support to the PML(N) is likely to create a big difference in favour of N-league. Senator Javed Shah and Mujahid Shah hail from Southern Punjab and their loyalty to PML(N) is sure to improve the party stand on Southern Punjab related issues in addition to helping the party come ahead others.