20 PML-QA members likely to defect

Around 20 MNAs, elected on the Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid-e-Azam) platform, are considering the possibility of switching loyalties and rejoining the PML-N, apparently after getting a 'poor response' from the top leadership of the party.

Most of these MNAs joined the PML-QA, parting with the PML-N, shortly before the elections. Sources close to the PML-QA leadership said these MNAs-elect had formally contacted the PML-N leadership and expressed their desire to rejoin the party.

Sources say these MNAs were in many cases promised important slots in the National Assembly but later refused on the grounds that the party had to give slots to other allies which had joined hands with them in establishing the government at the centre.

After the convening of the NA session, they are increasingly convinced that promises made to them will not be kept.

The PML-QA has firmly denied any such move, with groups of MNAs also declining reports of any rift along these lines. Despite this, well-placed sources, including at least one MNA following this line of action himself, say these 20 or so MNAs are waiting for the proper time to defect.

A list of those who may be willing to do so is already with PML-N leaders, who sources say "have handled things very quietly and cleverly".

Sources in the PML-N, confirming the report, said a senior leader had been entrusted the task by the party's leadership to deal with the matter and he was successfully doing so.

They said that if the law permitting floor-crossing was passed at any stage, a large group of MNAs from the PML-QA would rejoin the PML-N as they knew that immediately after the army's exit from government, they might not survive in the PML-QA.

Differences within the PML-QA are said to have contributed to the discontent within its ranks, with some also said to be unhappy with Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain's leadership style.

Efforts are said to be on within the PML-QA, to resolve the issue.