LAHORE: Pakistan Peoples’ Party leader Nadeem Afzal Chan strongly opposed alliance of his party with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
“Respect the mandate given to Imran Khan; there exists widespread public animosity towards the PML-N,” remarked Chan during an interview with a local private TV channel on Monday.
The PPP leader highlighted that he garnered support through anti-PML-N sentiment, with Bilawal also gaining popularity through critiques of the PML-N.
“Those aligning with the PML-N will face repercussions,” cautioned Chan.
He elaborated that the majority within the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) opposed forming an alliance with the PML-N, foreseeing detrimental effects on the party that would necessitate significant sacrifices.
Nadeem Afzal Chan further asserted that had others within the PML-N exhibited the fortitude shown by Khawaja Saad Rafiq, the party would have only secured 15 seats.
“The genuine mandate rests with either the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf or the Pakistan Peoples Party. If Mohsin Naqvi were my ally, I too could have secured a seat in the National Assembly. We possess evidence. Mukhtara was deeply troubled; I reassured her, ‘Mukhtaria, your electoral defeat wasn’t due to lack of votes. Persevere and resist oppression,'” affirmed the PPP leader.
Similarly, former federal minister and recent defector from the Muslim League-Nawaz, Miftah Ismail, voiced support for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, emphasizing, “At present, Imran Khan is the sole contender capable of winning elections across every province and city of Pakistan. This is beyond dispute. Fabricating an Iddat case against him, in my opinion, is unprecedented in Islamic history.”
Reflecting on the election outcomes, he suggested that Nawaz Sharif should have gracefully conceded, stating, “Step aside PTI, I won’t form the government.” Similar to his stance in 2013 regarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where he acknowledged PTI’s victory and urged them to form the government.
He lamented Nawaz Sharif’s failure to permit a vote recount in NA-130, adding, “Had Nawaz Sharif allowed PTI to recount votes in NA-130, his stature would have soared.”
