“Lahore: The PML-N leadership faced pressure as the deadline for nominating party candidates approached. On Friday, during the 16th parliamentary board meeting chaired by PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, the party attempted to resist pressure from Istehkam-i-Pakistan (IPP). The IPP, led by sugar tycoon Jahangir Khan Tareen, has been seeking a significant number of seats in Punjab, leading to tensions between the two parties.
The PML-N is concerned that if it adjusts seats in favor of IPP candidates who joined after the May 9 violent protests, it might lead to independent contests by its candidates with their own vote banks. The ticket distribution could not be finalized during the meeting, reportedly due to the ongoing discussions about IPP.
Ahsan Iqbal, PML-N Secretary General, stated that talks with IPP were still underway, and the Lahore division discussions were pending. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, former National Assembly speaker, is leading the seat-adjustment talks with IPP.
The PML-N conveyed to IPP to reduce its “long, ambitious list” of candidates aspiring to contest in Punjab with PML-N’s support. There is reluctance to oblige those who joined IPP after the May 9 incidents, but consideration may be given to those promised tickets in return for support to oust former premier Imran Khan.
The PML-N has hinted that it is engaging in seat-adjustment talks “under the pressure of the powers that be.” Despite the PML-N’s preference for only a ‘handful’ of seats, local politics dynamics might influence the final agreement.
There are slim chances of a seat-adjustment agreement, especially in areas where PML-N has strong winning candidates. IPP’s demand for a considerable number of seats remains a point of contention.
In addition to IPP, the PML-Q led by Chaudhry Shujaat Husain has sought 14 seats from the PML-N. The PML-N expressed readiness to give a maximum of three seats to PML-Q.”