LAHORE - It seems the PTI leadership is confused over the option of making an election alliance ahead of the upcoming elections.
A contradiction was noted yesterday in the assertions made by PTI’s Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly, Mian Mehmoodur Rashid and party spokesperson, Fawad Ch on this issue.
According to a press release issued by party’ media cell, Mr Rashid on Monday told a US diplomat MS Meghan Mercier that PTI was giving a consideration to enter into an election alliance with some religious and political parties before the upcoming elections. He further told her that his party intended to give a final shape to this alliance not later than two months.
Ms Meghan is head of Political and Economic Affairs at the US Consulate in Lahore. She called on Mr Rashid at latter’s Assembly chamber yesterday to discuss Pakistan’s political situation with special emphasis on Punjab’s politics.
The press release also quoted Mr Rashid as having told the US diplomat that PTI will not make election alliance with any of the banned religious parties.
On the other hand, PTI’s spokesperson, Fawad Ch was categorical in saying that his party will go solo in the coming elections.
“PTI will not enter into any electoral alliance with any of the parties. It will go solo. However, local leadership may make seat adjustments with like-minded parties”, he told The Nation.
He further said that he was not aware of the statement made by the Opposition leader, but certainly it was not the party policy to contest the coming elections in alliance with any of the parties.
Surprisingly, Mian Mahmoodur Rashid also shared party’s political strategy with the American diplomat. “They exchanged views on political strategy of the PTI, country’s politics especially the political situation in Punjab”, said the press release quoting this meeting.
MUBASHIR HASSAN
