Parvez Elahi praises Nawaz for his ‘political wisdom’ over PM Shehbaz

• Parvez Elahi says he cannot stand by PM Shehbaz.
• Punjab CM gives credit for construction of motorways to Nawaz Sharif.
• Says Gen Bajwa grilled Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed over his complaint.

Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi Sunday praised Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif for his "political wisdom" over his younger brother and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Elahi, who is also a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and an ally of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), made the remarks during an interview with a private TV channel.

Earlier today, PML-Q senior leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has been tasked with preventing the Punjab Assembly from being dissolved at the hands of Imran Khan-led PTI, well-placed sources revealed.

The development comes after PM Shehbaz’s meeting with the PML-Q stalwart followed by Pakistan Peoples Party Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari’s huddles with both leaders.

During the interview, Parvez Elahi gave the credit for the construction of motorways to Nawaz Sharif — the three-time prime minister — saying: “Opponents should be given the credit which is their due rights." 

Responding to a question, the Punjab CM categorically said that he cannot stand with PM Shehbaz. To another question, Elahi said that Imran Khan was not ready to appoint Moonis Elahi as a minister, adding that he was given the slot when they help the PTI won seats in the Senate.

‘99% of people against dissolution of assemblies’

The Punjab chief minister said that 99% of the people of the country wanted the assemblies not to be dissolved.

“Ahead of Imran Khan’s yesterday’s announcement, I asked him that first decide what will you give us [PML-Q],” he added.

Elahi went on to say that he suggested Khan to form his side’s negotiation committee comprising Asad Umar, Pervez Khattak and Sibtain Khan.

The PML-Q leader also reiterated that he had already signed a summary for the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly and handed it over to the PTI chairman around a month ago. The chief minister added that he asked Khan to forward the summary whenever he wants.

Elahi further said that he suggested dissolving the assemblies after 12 days but the ousted premier stuck to six days. Elahi hoped that Chaudhry Shujaat would support him.

‘Gen Bajwa lambasted Gen Faiz’

To another question, the Punjab CM said that Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed was strongly against them and did injustices to the party.

Recalling his memories, the PML-Q stalwart said that his party was supporting Gen Bajwa over the matter of his extension. Meanwhile, Gen Faiz directed the chief of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to arrest him and his son.

“Later on, we called Gen Bajwa and then he did Thukai (lambasted) of Gen Faiz,” he added.