PML-Q forward bloc reiterates support for PML-N

Some 27 members of the PML-Q forward bloc attended the Iftar-dinner hosted on Wednesday by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and reiterated their commitment to support the PML-N.

The number of PML-Q forward bloc members was reduced this time as some seven members of the group, including Col Abbas (retd), Najaf Sial, Iqbal Langrial, Jawad Kamran Khar, Fateh Buzdar, Ahmed Khan Baloch and Zobia Rubab, didn't attend the Iftar at the 90-Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam.

Besides, insiders revealed that some more MPAs of the PML-Q including Amir Sultan Cheema were expected to meet chief minister today (Thursday). However, sources said it wasn't confirmed whether he would join the forward bloc or not as the meeting might be held only to canvass vote for the PML-N- backed presidential candidate Seeduzaman Siddiqi.

The CM, in his latest meeting with the 'likeminded' legislators, once again assured them they were not the 'unification' bloc but part and parcel of the PML-N.

He also urged the 'likeminded' MPs to remain intact and show maximum participation in the presidential polls. The other PML-N leaders also stressed the PML-Q members to remain in Lahore till the polls were held on September 6.

The meeting also witnessed some interesting speeches from the senior members of forward bloc, particularly Jalaluddin Dhaku, a 74-year-old legislator from Sahiwal. During his long speech, the old legislator assured complete support to the CM in the presidential polls and in future as well.

Besides, he came hard on some of his colleagues from Jhang for supporting the PPP. His focus remained on Najaf Sial, a legislator from Jhang whom he blamed for defaming him while attributing his support to the PPP. Dhaku even announced to file a suit against him.

However, his fellow members asked him to calm down and bury the hatchet with his colleagues. Dhaku has reached the Punjab Assembly for the 7th term and at present is the oldest parliamentarian. The other members on the occasion also announced their support to the PML-N.

Some members also criticised the members of the group for extending their support to the PPP despite making commitment with the PML-N leadership earlier. It is noteworthy that the members including Najaf Sial, Col Abbas (retd) and Iqbal Langrial have extended their support to the PPP and decided to vote for Asif Zardari in the presidential polls.

Zobia Rubab Malik, who had attended various meetings of the forward bloc, has also denied link with the group. However, the PML-N leadership claimed that they still possessed the support of Jawad Khar and Fateh Buzdar, who couldn't attend the meeting due to personal reasons.

The members of the forward bloc who attended the CM's Iftar included Atta Muhammad Maneka, Dr Tahir Ali Javed, Mukhtar Bherth, Kashif Chishti, Saqlain Anwar Sipra, Jalaluddin Dhaku, Ch Arshad, Irfan Bashir Gujjar, Khalid Pervaiz Virk, Sultan Sikandar Bharwana, Khalid Mehmood Sargana, Shaukat Aziz Bhatti, Mehdi Abbas Khan, Naghma Mushtaq, Sh Alauddin, Ahmed Yar Hanjra, Rana Ejaz Noon, Asif Ajmal, Sh Yaqoob, Iftikhar Gillani and Zahoor Ahmed Anwar.