No decision yet: CM Elahi addresses PTI and PML-Q merger reports

Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Pervaiz Elahi on Monday clarified that no final decision has been taken yet on a merger between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q).

Clarifying that consultations are still underway, Pervaiz Elahi said that Imran Khan first offered Moonis the invitation to merge the two parties and then asked to be the president of the party.

However, he added that yesterday a meeting between the two parties took place in which all 10 PML-Q Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) were present. “It was mutually decided that we will ask the people in our constituents first,” he said.

Reacting to the show-cause notice sent to him by PML-Q, he said “Nothing as such has happened yet and they already have a problem,” he retorted.

Earlier, PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain suspended Elahi’s party membership after he hinted at a merger between his party and ally PTI.

The PML-Q issued show-cause notices to Elahi as well as Moonis Elahi, Hussain Elahi and Senator Kamil Ali Agha.

The notice gave Elahi seven days to provide an explanation for his comments, otherwise, proceedings would be initiated against him.

PML-Q electoral college office-bearers authorised Elahi, the party’s provincial president, to make decisions on behalf of the party with regard to its merger into the PTI.

However, Express Tribune has reported that according to sources within the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the PML-Q could not be merged with the PTI on Elahi’s wish as the party is registered in Shujaat’s name.

PML-Q ready to merge with PTI, decision expected today

On Monday, it was reported that PML-Q is ready to merge with PTI.

According to news reports, the majority of PML-Q is in favour of the merger. Elahi summoned a meeting to discuss the matter with his party.

PML-Q leader Moonis Elahi, son of Pervaiz Elahi, was reportedly ready to merge with PTI and a formal announcement was expected on Monday.

Earlier, PTI Chairman Imran Khan had proposed that PML-Q should merge with it.

The PTI chief praised the Elahis and said they stood by the PTI despite pressure from powerful quarters.