It was PML-N's mistake to pin hopes on PPP, admits Khawaja Asif

• "We should have kept their [PPP's] background in mind," says Khawaja Asif. 
• PML-N leader says Shahbaz Sharif will lead PML-N in next general elections.
• Khawaja Asif stresses on importance of unity among Opposition parties. 

PML-N leader Khawaja Asif spoke about his party's growing disillusionment with the PPP Tuesday, saying that it was a mistake on their part to pin hopes on the PPP.

"We had pinned high hopes on the PPP," the PML-N leader said, speaking to anchor Shahzaib Khanzada during the Geo News programme 'Aaj Shahzaib Khanzada Kay Sath'.

"I believe that it is our mistake, not theirs, to have unlimited expectations from any party. As regards the PPP, we should have kept their background in mind," he said. 

Asif was speaking about the PPP parting ways with the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) earlier this year, and the subsequent war of words between the PML-N and PPP leadership. 

A political party should never ignore other party's interests, Khawaja Asif said, adding that the PML-N should ensure that there is always a space for a united front when its leadership talks to the PPP and other Opposition parties. 

He said the PPP has stakes in Sindh as it is in power in the province, hence they have their interests while the PML-N has its own. "We should tread the middle path when we contact others," he added.

The PML-N leader underlined the importance of unity among Opposition parties, saying that if the Opposition stands united at one platform, it will be in a better position to take advantage, and if the Opposition remains divided, everyone will suffer at the end of the day.

Khawaja Asif rejected speculation of internal party rifts or confusion among its members. "When Mian Sahib [Nawaz Sharif] wants, the confusion, if there is even a little bit, will evaporate."

PML-N President Shehbaz Sahib is leading the party and will also lead it in the next general elections, Khawaja Asif added. 

PDM fate on the line

Several Opposition parties forged an anti-government alliance - the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) - to topple the PTI-led government. However, the PPP parted ways with the PDM over differences in strategy, mainly pertaining to resigning from the assemblies. 

The Asif Ali Zardari-led PPP suggested to the alliance to continue their anti-government struggle in the Parliament - an idea that did not go down well with the PDM that rejected it. 

The PDM served a show-cause notice to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. who tore it up to show his dissent. More than a week ago while addressing a press conference in Kashmore, 

To infuse a new life into the alliance, PDM chief Fazlur Rehman last week proposed holding 30 rallies across the country till the end of the year, according to sources.

The PDM chief made this proposal during the alliance's meeting in Karachi which was also addressed by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif from London.