PML-N divided on moving no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan, CM Usman Buzdar

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is divided on the idea of moving a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan at the centre and Chief Minister Usman Buzdar in Punjab.

The Shehbaz Sharif camp is in favour of moving a no-confidence motion against PM Imran and CM Buzdar but the Nawaz Sharif camp, led by PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, is not in favour of such a move, sources told BOL News.

It is pertinent to mention that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has time and again said that the PTI government at the centre and Punjab can be ousted by the opposition via a no-confidence motion.

“PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is in touch with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and they regularly discuss political developments,” confirmed sources from both the parties. They also shared that the two leaders had also spoken on the telephone on September 4 to discuss the appointments of the Election Commission of Pakistan members and future strategy.

“It cannot be ruled out that they also discussed a number game if a no confidence motion is moved against the PM Imran in centre and in Punjab against CM Buzdar,” a senior PML-N leader told BOL News.

According to PML-N insiders, Maryam Nawaz opposes the no-confidence motion because, in case, it is successful then her uncle Shehbaz and cousin Hamza would become strong contenders for the top slots.

“So, PML-N MNAs and MPAs who are close to the Nawaz camp led by Maryam are against such a move and are not in favour of no confidence motion,” a senior PML-N leader shared.

Meanwhile, political pundits are of the view that if the Shehbaz camp is serious about the no-confidence motion then they would need to convince members being backed by Maryam Nawaz.

Meanwhile, PPP central executive committee (CEC) member Chaudhry Manzoor has also confirmed what sources had told Bol News about the PML-N.

“It seems that Shehbaz Camp is in favour of moving no confidence motion against Imran Khan and Usman Buzdar but it is evident that the other camp of PML-N led by Maryam Nawaz is definitely not in favour of it,” said Manzoor.

Appointment of Shehbaz’s spokesperson

Party sources say that Shehbaz has started sidelining people who are close to the Nawaz camp. They added that the appointment of Malik Ahmed Khan as his spokesperson was a clear indication of this.

The PML-N president had also tweeted about Malik’s appointment on September 2.

“I am happy to announce that Malik Ahmad Khan will be my spokesperson. He served as special assistant to chief minister Punjab on information and culture during my tenure as CM and did a remarkable job,” the tweet said.

A senior party leader told Bol News that the move has upset Azma Bukhari and she has decided to contact party supremo Nawaz Sharif.

“I will take up this issue with the former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and cannot tolerate such behaviour. I am being sidelined for being loyal to the party and its leadership,” Bukhari had said over the appointment a PML-N leader had claimed.

Party sources said that Shehbaz’s son Hamza also has a cold relationship with Bukhari as he considered her close to Maryam.

“Hamza never fully trusted her,” a senior party official told BOL News.

On the other hand, PML-N Information Secretary Marriyam Aurangzeb has denied the impression that Malik was brought to replace her or to represent Shehbaz’s narrative.

“There are no two camps or narratives in the party as reported by the media and we are united. Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan is appointed to fill in a vacant post,” she said.