PML-Z Chief Denies Merger with PTI
In response to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Ijaz-ul-Haq, the chief of Pakistan Muslim League Zia (PML-Z), dismissed the rumors of his party merging with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as false. Although discussions about a coalition between PML-Z and PTI took place during a meeting with PTI Chief Imran Khan, Haq emphasized that no merger agreement was reached.
The Election Commission sought clarification from Ijaz-ul-Haq regarding the position of his party. Haq stated that while there were talks of collaboration, PML-Z remains an independent political entity. This clarification comes after a news report on March 19 stated that Ijaz-ul-Haq officially joined PTI.
During their meeting, Ijaz-ul-Haq, the son of former military dictator Zia-ul-Haq, expressed his intention to formally join Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, led by Imran Khan. However, it seems that the situation has since evolved, and PML-Z's stance on merging with PTI has changed.
"Ready to form negotiation team"
In a recent address to party workers and supporters, PTI Chairman Imran Khan declared his readiness to establish a committee for talks and indicated a willingness to step back if certain conditions were met. He stated, "I am forming a committee for dialogues. It will discuss two key aspects: first, if the country can progress without my involvement in politics, I will step aside. Second, we will explore the benefits of holding elections in October."
PTI faces departures following violence
Notably, several PTI lawmakers and members have recently left the party following the May 9 violence, which involved attacks on military installations such as the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi and the Corps Commander House in Lahore. These incidents occurred after the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan.