* Deepening differences between PPP-PMLN offer ray of hope to PML-Q
* Shujaat doing homework for new coalition
By Irfan Ghauri
ISLAMABAD: Simmering differences between the ruling coalition over the judges’ issue have increased the prospects of President Musharraf-backed Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) to replace PML-N in the coalition.
PML-Q top leadership, which has apparently adopted a wait and see policy, is covertly busy doing homework for new coalition, the sources said. “Our stance on a number of issues including the independence of judiciary almost matches PPP’s. New coalitions can be formed,” said a top PML-Q leader requesting anonymity.
The leader, who was minister in the former government and is a close aid of PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat, termed Shujaat’s recent meeting with Pir Pagara very significant. Apparently, it was a meeting for PML unification but they also discussed future strategy if PPP-PML-N alliance failed to continue, he said.
He said Friday’s notification of the government giving additional portfolios to its ministers rather than expanding the cabinet was another significant move after tabling the PEMRA bill in the National Assembly.
Information Minister Sherry Rehman’s statement that PEMRA amendments enjoyed the Supreme Court cover and these could only be done away with through a legislation indicates that President Musharraf’s actions taken after November 2 have the apex court’s protection, he said, adding that same was the stance of PML-Q.
Another PML-Q leader said that Shujaat had been in touch with President Musharraf over the new developments and had asked the party workers not be disappointed.
Pakistan Muslim League-Q and MQM both are taking utmost care in giving any statement against PPP leadership but both target PML-N on a number of issues. MQM is already negotiating with PPP for becoming part of Sindh government while its prospects of joining a coalition government at the center are also bright, he said.
When Daily Times asked Tariq Azim, the PML-Q information secretary, about possible future political scenario, he said, “There are no permanent friends and foes in politics and the possibility of new alliances cannot be ruled out”. He believed PML-N-PPP marriage wouldn’t last long.
Source: Daily Times, 13/4/2008
Loading ...
Recent Comments