LAHORE: The top PPP leadership of Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) president Maulana Fazlur Rehman called on PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif at his Model Town residence where his elder brother and former premier Nawaz Sharif joined from London via video link.

The Maulana, who is also the head of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), also held a separate meeting with Shehbaz before the arrival of the PPP leaders in which they discussed the numbers game at length.

“The bringing of a no-confidence motion against Imran Khan next month; tallying the number of MNAs of the three parties — PML-N, PPP and JUI-F — [and those who were] approached separately to take them onboard in the move and who can be the prime minister in case the motion succeeds, were discussed in this important meeting,” .

“Talking about the next premier, one of the leaders (Mr Zardari) suggested the name of Shehbaz at which the latter chuckled.”

PPP chairman Bilawal has already offered the Sharifs the prime minister’s slot (in case the opposition’s move is successful). PML-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal had told media that it was not an issue for his party as the incumbent’s ouster would become a “bridge for fresh polls”.

The source further said Mr Zardari had been entrusted with finalising matters with the government allies — PML-Q, MQM and BAP — and making sure the coalition partners part ways with Mr Khan.

Regarding the numbers game, the source said, the three opposition parties exchanged notes about the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) parliamentarians they had contacted and sought support for their move against the premier. “The PML-N presented the names of 16, PPP six and JUI-F two PTI MNAs that these parties believe have been won over and are ready to ditch the kaptaan (Imran Khan). Since the PTI coalition is hanging on a thin majority, this number is more than enough to oust it,” he said, adding the opposition was confident that even if they failed to achieve a breakthrough with the government’s coalition partners they had the required numbers to oust the prime minister.

“The PTI parliamentarians also include those backing Jehangir Tareen,” he said and added “every PTI lawmaker on board” had been given assurances individually by the opposition party dealing with them.

The meeting also framed a charge-sheet against the PTI government for making people’s lives miserable through unprecedented price hike, inflation, unemployment, damaging national unity and gagging dissent.

“The opposition leaders analysed the overall situation in the country and agreed that the entire country is in agreement about getting rid of the incumbent government as soon as possible.”