PML-N will bail out PPP coalition govt if no-confidence motion initiated: Shujaat

Lahore, Jan 3(ANI): A no-confidence motion against the Pakistan People's Party-led coalition cannot succeed because the day the initiative is taken, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will bail out the government, PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has said.

In an interview with The Nation, Shujaat recalled the then opposition parties had tried to dislodge the Benazir Bhutto government in 1989, but failed despite enjoying the backing of many powerful quarters.

The ouster of a sitting government was always very tough, he said, adding that this time it was all the more difficult because the PML-N would not side with the opposition for the fear of losing the Punjab Government.

The PML-N apprehended that if it lost the Punjab government, it would not get candidates for the next general elections, the PML-Q president added.

Despite contacts between the PML-Q and the PPP, there was no possibility of cooperation between the two parties, said Shujaat, explaining that personal interests of various people were the main hurdles.

He, however, said his party would oppose the midterm polls because such an option did not suit the party, adding that people were not demanding premature polls, and therefore there was no possibility of the rulers going for such an exercise.

"People want jobs, food and resources to meet their daily needs. They don't want elections," he said.

About the unification of different PML factions, Shujaat said the arrogance of PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif was the major obstruction.

According to him, the PML-N leadership was under the erroneous impression that anybody, even a power pole, bearing his party ticket would sweep the polls. This was an overestimation, and not supported by ground realities, he remarked.

"We have now strengthened our position. We'll not like to join hands with the PML-N at this stage," the PML-Q president added. (ANI)