PML-Q rejects PM Imran’s dinner invitation

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid has rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan’s dinner invitation at Bani Gala residence, following Balochistan National Party-Mengal’s (BNP-M) rejection.

According to the PML-Q spokesperson, the federal government contacted the party leadership and invited them to dinner. “However, the party leaders will not be attending due to their busy schedules,” the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson, however, confirmed that the party will be voting for the government’s side of the aisle for budget 2020-21. The PML-Q is an ally of the government but will not be attending the dinner.

PM Imran has invited the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its coalition parties’ lawmakers to Bani Gala for a dinner. Sources informed that the purpose of the dinner is to ensure the presence of MNAs of the ruling party and its allies in the National Assembly where PTI’s budget 2020-21 is pending approval.

Sources further informed that the Prime Minister will also address the concerns and grievances of miffed allies of the ruling party.

Earlier, Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) rebuffed the dinner invitation for government MPs and lawmakers from allied parties.

Read More: BNP-M chief rebuffs PM’s dinner invitation

BNP-M President Sardar Akhtar Mengal said that the dinner is for allies of the ruling party, and his party is no longer an ally so they won’t be attending.

Earlier on June 17, BNP-M announced its decision to quit the PTI-led coalition government at the Centre, saying that the government failed to keep its end of the bargain.